Predictors of Overweight in Children under 5 Years of Age in India

The prevalence of early childhood overweight has increased dramatically in developing countries such as India. Lifestyle factors and socioeconomic status have been linked to the increasing prevalence of overweight in older children. The present study aimed to examine the predictors of overweight among children < 5 years in India. We performed a secondary data analysis using the most recent wave of India’s National Health and Family Survey (NFHS 3) conducted from 2005-2006. The survey was conducted in all the 29 states in India and covered households from both rural and urban areas. Mothers aged 15-49 years with a child 5 years or younger (index child) were interviewed as part of the survey. For the purpose of the current study, participants with complete information on anthropometric indices of the index child were included in the final analysis. Our final analytical sample was therefore 23,814. Maternal characteristics such as urban residency, education and overweight/obese status increased the risk of overweight in index children. Children from the East-North East region were less likely to be overweight compared to their counterparts from North, South and Central-West regions of India. In addition to this, stunted children were at the greatest risk of having a Body Mass Index-for-age z score (BAZ) > 2.0. Dietary fat intake of the index child significantly increased the risk of childhood overweight. The study findings suggest the need to target nutrition and health programs toward the urban affluent households and educated women to prevent the onset of overweight during early childhood.