Summary: A recent study found that a higher childhood body mass index ( BMI ) and a higher risk of obesity are related to taking antibiotics within the first two years of life. Researchers discovered that early antibiotic exposure raised BMI and increased the risk of being overweight by 9 % and 20 %, respectively.
No for connection was made between using antibiotics before, during, or after giving birth. The results show how crucial it is for young children to be careful when prescribing antibiotics to combat rising childhood obesity rates.
Important Information:
- Effects on BMI: Before the age of 2, youth BMI and obesity risk were raised.
- Timing is of importance: No conclusive evidence exists between using antibiotics while pregnant or nursing and afterward BMI.
- Use: During the first two years, the majority of adolescent children receive medications.
Origin: Educational Pediatrics
A new study links taking antibiotics in childhood to a higher body mass index ( BMI ) within the first two years of life.
The study will be presented at the 2025 Meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies ( PAS ) in Honolulu, scheduled for April 24-28.  ,
According to research, youngsters who were exposed to antibiotics in their first two years of life had a 0.067 higher Weight when age and sex were considered for age and sex, were heavy, and were 20 % more likely to be obese than those who were not exposed.
Before, during, or after giving birth, BMI and antimicrobial apply were not correlated with this finding.
According to scientists, medications prescribed to young children are frequently used. Within the first two years of life, the majority of children receive medicines.
During childbirth, one-fourth of children are exposed to medicines, and one-third of children are given the contraception.
Sofia Ainonen, MD, PhD, a medical physician at the University of Oulu in Finland and presenting author, said that “antibiotic exposure in the first two years of life has a stronger relationship with youth weight gain than exposure during pregnancy stages or other earlier ages.”
” Companies need to be cautious about prescribing medications for young child,” says the author.
With over 159 million school-aged children diagnosed with fat in 2022, childhood obesity is a growing issue globe.
The study examined 33, 095 Finnish vaginally born children to determine whether medicines were used before, during, and after childbirth had an impact on BMI at age two and years twelve.
About this study on youth obesity and medicines
Author: PAS 2025
Source: Pediatric Academic Societies
Contact: PAS 2025 – Pediatric Academic Societies
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: The findings will be discussed at the 2025 meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies ( PAS )
Abstract
The Risk of Being Chubby and Obeseous in Kids and the Early Antibiotic Exposure Timeline
Background
First antibiotic coverage has been linked to a rise in child obesity and weight gain. There is little evidence about the impact of overweight or obesity on the schedule of antimicrobial exposure.
Objective
Our goal was to discover whether earlier periods of antibiotic exposure are related to overweight and obesity in children. We compared the effects of antimicrobial coverage on childhood obesity and overweight before and after giving birth, during pregnancy, during pregnancy, and during childhood.  ,
Design/Methods
We studied 33 095 Finnish women who delivered babies vaginally in a population-based register-based demographic research. Comprehensive regional registers, medical information, and digital growth data were used.
The best time to expose yourself to antibiotics was 1 ) one year before getting pregnant, 2 ) while pregnant, 3 ) during the perinatal period, and 4 ) in the first two years of life. The outcomes were 1 ) body mass index-for-age z-score (zBMI ) at 24 months of age ) and 2 ) cumulative obesity and overweight rates up until 12 years old. We used a Cox threat regression model and a linear blended model. Both assessments were taken into account for a number of characteristics.
Results
33, 095 vaginally born children were included in the research community. The mothers of 12, 869 ( 39 % ) of the children’s ages were exposed to antibiotics one year before the start of the pregnancy, 9, 073 ( 27 % ) of mothers during the pregnancy, 6983 ( 21 % ) of the children during the perinatal period, and 22, 453 ( 68 % ) of the children in the first two years of life.
Prior to conception, during pregnancy, or during the perinatal period, there was no correlation between the following childhood obesity and overweight.
In analyses adjusted for all covariates, higher zBMI was associated with a higher zBMI at two years of age ( mean difference of zBMI 0. 067 ) than unexposed ones. The long-term analysis revealed the same until the age of 12 ( adjusted HR 1.20]95 % CI 1.10 to 1.31] for obesity ).
Conclusion(s)
Prior to becoming pregnant, while pregnant, or during the perinatal period, there was no connection between youth obesity or overweight. However, the first two years of life were associated with antibiotic coverage and heavy.
The primary two years of life should be the focus of research looking at possible causal connections between earlier life medications and child obesity and overweight.
