Growth of infants and young children born small for gestational age: growth restriction accompanied by overweight

OBJECTIVES: To compare growth profiles of children born small for gestational age (SGA) with those born the appropriate size for gestational age (AGA), and examine expected growth patterns for SGA in early childhood. METHODS: A survey on 23,871 SGA children was conducted in Shanghai. Data were collected at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months of age (+30 days). A check-up included assessments of weight, height, and head circumference. RESULTS: At 5 years old, weight, height, and head circumference were lower in SGA children compared with AGA children. The proportions of overweight and obesity of SGA children at 4 to 18 months after birth were significantly higher than those in AGA children, with higher proportions in boys than in girls. There was no correlation between overweight at 5 years old and overweight before 2 years old in SGA children. CONCLUSIONS: Children born SGA remain shorter and lighter, with a smaller head circumference at 5 years old compared with AGA children. At 4 to 18 months after birth, there is a high incidence of overweight and obesity in SGA children. Overweight and obesity in SGA boys are more serious than those in SGA girls.