biostudies-literatureHu JShenyang Science and Technology Plan ProjectsLiaoning Distinguished Professore0187693https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC5703493biostudies-literatureUnknown12(11)BACKGROUND:The aims of this study were to determine the association between sibling rank and childhood obesity among children ≤ 5 years of age in rural China, and to investigate the effect of child gender and the obesity status of other siblings on this association. METHODS:Data from the China Family Panel Studies, a nationally representative survey, was used for the analysis. Sibling rank was defined as the birth order of all children with the same biological mother. A total of 1116 children ≤ 5 years of age were divided into four groups: children without siblings, first-born children, second-born children, and third-born or younger children. For each child, the body mass index and standard deviation (BMI z score) was calculated according to WHO standards; children with BMI z scores > 2 wPloS oneWho is more likely to be obese or overweight among siblings? A nationally representative study in rural China.PMC5703493F14-231-1-57Liao taught [2013] No.204Liu YHu JZhen SDing NWen DfalseWho is more likely to be obese or overweight among siblings? A nationally representative study in rural China.BACKGROUND:The aims of this study were to determine the association between sibling rank and childhood obesity among children ≤ 5 years of age in rural China, and to investigate the effect of child gender and the obesity status of other siblings on this association. METHODS:Data from the China Family Panel Studies, a nationally representative survey, was used for the analysis. Sibling rank was defined as the birth order of all children with the same biological mother. A total of 1116 children ≤ 5 years of age were divided into four groups: children without siblings, first-born children, second-born children, and third-born or younger children. For each child, the body mass index and standard deviation (BMI z score) was calculated according to WHO standards; children with BMI z scores > 2 w2017-01-01T00:00:00Z20172025-04-04T03:10:20.182Z2019-03-27T03:03:03ZS-EPMC57034932917682710.1371/journal.pone.0187693