Association between size at birth, rapid weight gain in infancy, and overweight status among Palestinian refugees under 5 years old: a retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Evidence on the association of birth size and rapid weight gain with overweight/obesity is inconsistent. Refugees face unique nutritional challenges that influence weight patterns, yet data remain limited.

Objectives

We examined the association between size at birth, infant feeding, and rapid weight gain in the first year of life, and subsequent overweight/obesity in childhood among Palestinian refugees.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used data from 388,347 live births from 1 January, 2010 to 31 December, 2020, linked to child growth monitoring data using United Nations Relief and Works Agency electronic-health records. The cohort included children aged 0 to 60 mo from 5 regions: Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank. Size at birth was ca

SUBMITTER: Jamaluddine Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12917216 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature