Effects of Breastfeeding, Maternal BMI, Gestational Age, and Birth Weight on Adiposity Rebound

Background: Adiposity rebound (AR) is defined as the age in which children exhibit a nadir in body mass index (BMI)-for-age and begin to exhibit an increase from that nadir. The purpose of this project is to perform a literature review of factors that influence timing of AR in children. Methods: This review of literature research investigation utilized a two-step search methodology. Research articles were identified utilizing electronic databases including PubMed, google scholar, Academic search complete, among other databases. Results: Investigations for the factors, breastfeeding, maternal BMI, infant gestational age, and infant birth weight, exhibited mixed results. Investigations typically identify the association that having a healthy BMI prior to pregnancy has beneficial impact on AR timing. Conclusions: The mixed results observed appear to be influenced by ethnicity and geographical location. Therefore, decisions on maximizing the health and delaying AR timing of the infant must occur in an individualized setting between the mother and/or parents and healthcare provider.