Abstract
Recent studies in USA, Europe, and across the world have revealed a continuous increase
of mean birth weight in the last 2 decades. Strong evidence exists from several studies
indicating that individuals born with a low birth weight are more likely to present
cardiometabolic complications in later life. So far, the long-term consequences of
high birth weight have not been clearly defined. This review examines the role of
high birth weight on the development of cardiometabolic consequences (obesity, body
composition, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease) in childhood and
adulthood. The majority of the studies show that high BW is associated with an increased
risk for obesity. To a certain extent high birth weight affects diseases of the heart
and circulatory, but does not constitutes a risk for the development of type 2 diabetes
mellitus in the general population. Maternal glycemia and the subsequent fetus hyperinsulinemia
appear to be the key component for increased fetal growth. With the increase in incidence
of diabetes mellitus and obesity over the years, the number of high birth weight infants
is likely to increase. The elucidation of the relationship between high birth weight
and the cardiometabolic disorders will be particularly important.
Key words
birth weight - obesity - diabetes - cardiovascular disease
