Infant effortful control predicts body mass index (BMI) trajectories from infancy to adolescence
Authors' conclusion
Effortful control in infancy was associated with BMI over time. Specifically, poor effortful control during infancy was associated with higher BMI in childhood and adolescence. These findings support the argument that infancy may be a sensitive window for the development of later obesity.
Study context
- Population
- Gestational parent/child dyads followed from infancy through adolescence
- Participants
- 191 parent/child dyads
- Outcome
- BMI trajectories from infancy through adolescence predicted by effortful control
Methodological detailslongitudinal, repeated measures, general linear mixed models, Maternal report of effortful control at 7 time points; BMI measured at 8 time points
- Longitudinal
- Repeated measures
- General linear mixed models
- Maternal report of effortful control at 7 time points; BMI measured at 8 time points
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
BMI trajectories from infancy through adolescence · Effortful control at 6 months
6-month effortful control predicted BMI trajectories, F(5,338)
2.75
p = 0.03
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Moderation by sex of 6-month effortful control–BMI association
- Sex moderated the association, F(4, 338)
- 2.59, p = 0.03
- Poorer infant effortful control predicted higher BMI in early childhood for girls and more rapid BMI increases in early adolescence for boys
Original publication
Infant effortful control predicts BMI trajectories from infancy to adolescence. Pediatr Obes. Published 8 June 2023. doi:10.
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