Heterogeneity of sex-stratified BMI trajectories in children from 8 to 14 years old.
OBJECTIVE
Describe and predict sex-stratified trajectories of weight change in youths transitioning from childhood to adolescence.


METHODS
Using an accelerated longitudinal design, 461 children between 8 and 12 years old at baseline were followed over three years. Body mass index was calculated from self-reported height and weight. Latent class growth analysis was used to identify BMI trajectories and multinomial logistic regressions, to predict group membership.


RESULTS
A four-group heterogeneous trajectory model emerged for boys and girls alike. Characteristics of the trajectories differed between sexes and no obesity group was found for boys. Sociocultural factors, such as media influence, body dissatisfaction, weight victimization, awareness of thin-ideal standards and related pressures were important correlates of trajectory membership.


CONCLUSION
BMI trajectories during preadolescence are stable over time for heavier children. Body image concerns and weight stigmatization stand out as important factors in the prediction of developmental weight trajectories and could therefore be integrated in weight gain prevention programs for children of all weights as well as in weight management interventions for overweight and obese children.
['Brault|Marie-Christine|MC|', 'Aimé|Annie|A|', 'Bégin|Catherine|C|', 'Valois|Pierre|P|', 'Craig|Wendy|W|']
D000293:Adolescent D001827:Body Height D015992:Body Mass Index D001835:Body Weight D002648:Child D002657:Child Development D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008137:Longitudinal Studies D008297:Male D050177:Overweight D057566:Self Report D012727:Sex Characteristics D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
BMI trajectory Children Latent class growth analysis Sociocultural factors