Antibiotic exposure in early life and childhood overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Sara H. Rasmussen, Sarita Shrestha, Lise G. Bjerregaard, Lars H. Ängquist, Jennifer L. Baker, Tine Jess, Kristine H. Allin*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

92 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies investigating the association between antibiotic exposure in infancy and risk of childhood overweight and obesity. Thirteen studies, including a total of 527 504 children, were included in the systematic review and 8 were included in meta-analyses. Exposure to antibiotics in infancy was associated with an increased odds ratio (OR) of childhood overweight and obesity (OR 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.20). Whereas exposure to 1 treatment only and exposure between 6 and 24 months were not associated with increased risk of childhood overweight and obesity, exposure to >1 treatment was associated with an OR of 1.24 (95% CI 1.09-1.43) and exposure within the first 6 months of life was associated with an OR of 1.20 (95% CI 1.04-1.37). In conclusion, antibiotic exposure in infancy was associated with a slightly increased risk of childhood overweight and obesity, mainly if children were exposed to repeated treatments or treatment within the first 6 months of life. It is unclear whether this association is mediated via direct effects of antibiotics on the gut microbiota.

Original languageEnglish
JournalDiabetes, Obesity and Metabolism
Volume20
Issue number6
Pages (from-to)1508-1514
Number of pages7
ISSN1462-8902
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2018
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Keywords

  • anti-bacterial agents
  • body mass index
  • child
  • gastrointestinal microbiome
  • infant
  • meta-analysis
  • review

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