Gestacional Overgrowth as a Risk Factor for Obesity: Evidence of Increased Restrictive and Emotional Eating During Childhood

Excess fetal growth relates to obesity and comorbidities in adulthood. Restrictive eating predisposes to episodes of compulsive eating, while emotional eating is related to an increased intake in fat, sweets and high caloric foods, both leading to obesity. 
Objective: investigate if increased fetal growth is associated with a differential pattern of eating behavior in children at 6-9 years of age. 
Methods: 616 families were recruited in the Montreal Metropolitan Area for a telephone interview regarding to household demographic information, children’s anthropometrics, Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire and physical activities. A subsample also filled out a food frequency questionnaire. Birth weight ratio (BWR) was calculated (observed birth weight/mean population birth weight, sex and gestational age-specific), and the sample was classified in three groups: Small for Gestational Age (SGA), Adequate (AGA) and Large (LGA). 
Results: There were 282 boys (40 SGA, 37 LGA) and 281 girls (36 SGA, 29 LGA). Comparing LGA to AGA children, there were no differences in the percent calories derived from fat, protein or carbohydrates. However, the scores for Restrictive Eating (in girls AGA=1.76+0.18 LGA=3.03+0.49, in boys AGA=1.47+0.18 LGA=2.59+0.43, p=0.008) and for Emotional Overeating (in girls AGA=1.99+0.26 LGA=3.27+0.70, in boys AGA=1.93+0.26 LGA=3.16+0.61, p=0.024) were higher in LGA children when compared to AGA. 
Conclusion: The study shows that gestational overgrowth is associated with altered eating behaviors during childhood. As increased restrictive eating and emotional overeating are known to promote binge-eating episodes, it is possible that such alteration is involved in the increased risk for developing overweight in this population.