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Horm Metab Res 2002; 34(7): 406-410
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-33474
Original Clinical
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Familial Aggregation of Body Mass Index: A Population-Based Family Study in Eastern Finland

R.  M.  Fuentes 1 , I.-L.  Notkola 2 , S.  Shemeikka 1 , J.  Tuomilehto 2 , A.  Nissinen 2
  • 1Department of Public Health and General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland
  • 2Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 14 January 2002

Accepted after revision: 8 April 2002

Publication Date:
21 August 2002 (online)

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Abstract

In this study, we investigated the familial aggregation of body mass index (BMI) in a sample of families with young offspring from eastern Finland. 15-year-olds were examined from 1996 to 1997, and their biological parents were examined from 1993 to 1994. 224 children were invited; 184 families participated, and 144 were included in the analysis with complete data. Significant positive correlations were found for mother-offspring pairs (correlation [r] = 0.31, p < 0.001, n = 140), father-offspring (r = 0.23, p = 0.017, n = 107), mother-daughter (r = 0.26, p = 0.044, n = 63) and mother-son (r = 0.36, p = 0.001, n = 77). Adjustment for confounding variables did not alter these results. There was a higher proportion of children in the highest quartile of BMI when the mother was obese (odds ratio [OR] = 3.0, 95 % CI = 1.4 - 6.7, n = 140) and when one or both parents were obese (OR = 2.8, 95 % CI = 1.0 - 8.0 when one parent was obese; OR = 4.6, 95 % CI = 1.1 - 20.0 when both parents were obese; n = 103). The study confirmed familial BMI aggregation. The consistent obesity relationship between mother and offspring may indicate the key role of the mother in primary obesity prevention.

Key words

Children - Human Offspring - Correlation - Family - Resemblance - Obesity

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Dr. R. M. Fuentes

Department of Public Health and General Practice, University of Kuopio ·

P.O.Box 1627 · 70211 Kuopio · Finland ·

Phone: + 358 (17) 162 923

Fax: + 358 (17) 162 937 ·

Email: ricardo.fuentes@messi.uku.fi

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