Intergenerational Change in Anthropometric Indices and Their Predictors Among Children in New Delhi Birth Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate intergenerational change in anthropometric indices of children and their predictors.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort.

PARTICIPANTS: New Delhi Birth Cohort participants (F1), born between 1969 and 1972, were followed-up for anthropometry at birth and 6-monthly intervals until 21 years. Their children (F2) below 10 years were evaluated anthropometrically.

OUTCOME MEASURE: Intergenerational change (F2-F1) in height, weight and body mass index (BMI) of children in comparison to their parents at corresponding ages.

RESULTS: 432 F2-F1 pairs were analyzed in age-groups of 0-5 (26.9%) and 5-10 (73.1%) years. Children were considerably taller (0-5 years 0.99 SD; 5-10 years 1.17 SD) and heavier (0-5 years 0.77 SD; 5-10 years 1.52 SD) while only those aged 5-10 years were broader (had a higher BMI; 1.03 SD), than their parents. These increases for 0-5 and 5-10 years, respectively corresponded to 3.9 and 6.4 cm for height, 1.3 and 5.4 kg for weight and 0.2 and 1.9 kg/m2 for BMI. Lower parents' anthropometric indices and poor water supply and sanitation facilities; higher age of parents at child birth and of children when measured (for height and weight); and more parental education (for weight and BMI), were associated with greater intergenerational gains in children.

CONCLUSION: Over one generation in an urban middle-class population, whose general living conditions had improved, under-five children have become considerably taller and heavier, and 5-10 year old children have additionally become broader, than their parents at corresponding ages. Child populations probably 'grow up' before 'growing out'.