Trends, determinants, and anthropometric consequences of low birthweight in Indian children: a prospective…

Cohort studyInternational journal of epidemiology· Jun 2026

Trends, determinants, and anthropometric consequences of low birthweight in Indian children: a prospective analysis of national data.

Laxmi Kant Dwivedi, Alka Chauhan, Aditi Aditi … Suman Chakrabarti

Pediatric Endocrinology & GrowthCohort studyQ1IF 5.2

Low birthweight linked to higher odds of childhood underweight and stunting

Trends, determinants, and anthropometric consequences of low birthweight in Indian children: a prospective analysis of national data.

Laxmi Kant Dwivedi … Suman Chakrabarti

International journal of epidemiology · Jun 2026 · Q1 in General Medicine

Background

Low birthweight (low birthweight) is a major concern for child survival and growth, and India accounts for the highest number of such cases globally.

Purpose

This paper examines associations between maternal, household, and health-related factors, low birthweight, and growth faltering, and explores childhood growth trajectories across birthweight groups.

Methods

Data from three waves of India's National Family Health Survey were used to examine heaping-adjusted trends and predictors of low birthweight.

Results

low birthweight children had higher odds of being underweight and stunted

1.5times

Underweight

1.3times

Stunting

More results

The low birthweight prevalence between 2000 and 2020 was 20% (unadjusted) and 40% (heaping-adjusted).

Improvements in maternal stature, weight, household wealth, and antenatal care coverage could yield the largest future reductions in low birthweight.

More results

Maternal short stature, underweight, and poverty were associated with higher odds of subsequent anthropometric faltering regardless of low birthweight.

“

Conclusion · 1 of 2

Findings show the dominant role of maternal nutrition in birthweight and childhood growth outcomes. Once a child is born with low birthweight, there is limited potential to prevent subsequent anthropometric failure.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

To break the intergenerational cycle of undernutrition, programs must prioritize improved nutrition for girls beginning early in life and sustained through adolescence and preconception.

Trends, determinants, and anthropometric consequences of low birthweight in Indian children: a prospective analysis of national data.

Trends, determinants, and anthropometric consequences of low birthweight in Indian children: a prospective analysis of national data.

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