abstract: Dietary self-monitoring has been shown to be a predictor of weight loss success and is a prevalent part of behavioral weight control programs. As more weight loss applications have become available on smartphones, this feasibility study investigated whether the use of a smartphone application, or a smartphone memo feature would improve dietary self-monitoring over the traditional paper-and-pencil method. The study also looked at whether the difference in methods would affect weight loss. Forty-seven adults (BMI 25 to 40 kg/m2) completed an 8-week study focused on tracking the difference in adherence to a self-monitoring protocol and subsequent weight loss. Participants owning iPhones (n=17) used the 'Lose It' application (AP) for diet and exercise tracking and were compared to smartphone participants who recorded dietary intake using a memo (ME) feature (n=15) on their phone and participants using the traditional paper-and-pencil (PA) method (n=15). There was no significant difference in completion rates between groups with an overall completion rate of 85.5%. The overall mean adherence to self-monitoring for the 8-week period was better in the AP group than the PA group (p = .024). No significant difference was found between the AP group and ME group (p = .148), or the ME group and the PA group (p = .457). Weight loss for the 8 week study was significant for all groups (p = .028). There was no significant difference in weight loss between groups. Number of days recorded regardless of group assignment showed a weak correlation to weight loss success (p = .068). Smartphone owners seeking to lose weight should be encouraged by the potential success associated with dietary tracking using a smartphone app as opposed to the traditional paper-and-pencil method. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Nutrition 2012

Previous studies have shown that overweight and obesity in youth and adolescents is one of the leading risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Besides being "at–risk” for T2DM, the possibility also exists for development of major psychological issues. Thus, overweight adolescents who are "at–risk” for T2DM may have increased levels of emotional eating, and poor self–esteem and body image. The design of this pilot study ("R. U. A Healthy Kid”) was a prospective cohort of 17 free–living middle school students "at–risk” for T2DM. Each participant was previously screened and found to have three or more risk factors for T2DM. The intervention targeted four main topics: Family Meals, Healthy Snacks, Physical Activity and "Unique U” (emotional eating, self–esteem, body image and stress management). The "Unique U” component forms the basis of the current study. After three months in the program, participants’ self–esteem significantly increased since the beginning of the program. Many relationships were found between self–esteem, body image, stress and emotional eating questions. Community– based lifestyle interventions that include issues such as improving self–esteem, body image, stress and emotional eating are critical in helping adolescents who are "at–risk” for T2DM.

Introduction: Currently, 1 in 7 children are classified as obese, which represents an obesity rate two times higher than that of the last 25 years. Part of the solution to address the positive energy balance underlying weight gain is to target the specific eating behaviours and factors that lead to food intake. One widely used tool to measure eating behaviour is the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ). Objective: The primary objective of this study was to validate scores of the 21-item Child version of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R21 C), by examining validity evidence and reliability of TFEQ-R21 C responses in a sample of Canadian children and adolescents. The secondary aim was to examine the associations between the TFEQ-R21 C factors and body mass index (BMI) z-scores and food/taste preferences. Methods: The participants consisted of a sample of 158 children, 63 boys (mean age: 11.5 ± 1.6 years) and 95 girls (mean age: 11.9 ± 1.9 years), recruited from English schools in the Ottawa area. To assess eating behaviour, participants filled out the TFEQ-R21 C, the Power of Food Scale, and the Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire. Height and weight measurements were taken using a stadiometer and a digital scale. An exploratory factor analysis with oblique rotation and an item analysis were conducted to determine the factor structure and validity of the questionnaire. A median split on Cognitive Restraint (CR), Internal Uncontrolled Eating (UE 1), External Uncontrolled Eating (UE 2), and Emotional Eating (EE) was used to dichotomize factor-based scores into high and low categories for each factor, to allow for group comparisons. Bivariate correlations explored relationships between weight, BMI and BMI z-score, and food and taste preference, by sex and age group. To determine if BMI, BMI z-scores, and food/taste preferences were associated with factor scores of the TFEQ-R21 C, two-way ANOVAs were conducted. Results: The exploratory factor analysis replicated the Emotional Eating (EE) and Cognitive Restraint (CR) scales of the original TFEQ-R21, whereas the global factor of Uncontrolled Eating (UE) produced two subscales: Internal Uncontrolled Eating (UE 1) and External Uncontrolled Eating (UE 2). Item 17 did not load onto any of the factors and was subsequently removed. The four-factor model, with item 17 removed (FFEQ-R21 C: 20-item Child version Four-Factor Eating Questionnaire), accounted for 41.2% of the common variance in the data and showed good internal consistency (α= 0.81). The factors of UE 1 (r= 0.27, p<0.001), UE 2 (r= 0.36, p<0.0001), and CR (r= 0.20, p= 0.04) correlated significantly with EE. Younger children reported higher UE 1 scores [F(1,143)= 3.99, p=0.048, f2= 0.028] and CR scores [F(1,143)= 3.99, p= 0.001, f2= 0.089]. Boys who reported a high UE 1 scores had a significantly higher weight [F(1,58)= 6.44, p=0.014, f2= 0.117 ] and BMI z-scores [F(1,58)= 4.45, p=0.039, f2=0.083], compared to those who reported low UE 1 scores. Children with overweight or obesity [F(1,143)= 2.75, p<0.001. f2= 0.035] reported higher EE scores, compared to children of normal weight. Children with high UE 1 scores reported greater preference for high protein and fat foods, and high fat savoury (HFSA) and high fat sweet (HFSW) foods, compared to those with low UE 1 scores. Higher preference for high protein, fat, and carbohydrate foods, and HFSA, HFSW, and low fat savoury foods (LFSA) foods was found in children with high UE 2 scores, compared to those with low UR 2 scores. Children and adolescents with low CR scores reported greater preference for high protein, carbohydrate, and fat foods, compared to those who reported high CR scores. Discussion: This study showed adequate reliability and validity evidence of the TFEQ-R21 C scores, and that the questionnaire is best represented by a 20-item four-factor model in our sample. The FFEQ-R21 C was able to identify relevant eating behaviour traits associated with higher BMI z-scores and food preferences in both sexes and age groups, which were mainly in accordance with previous findings in children and adolescents. These results support the utility of the questionnaire for the assessment and identification of problematic eating behaviour and food preferences in the Canadian pediatric population. Younger children reported higher influence of the psychological constructs of eating behaviour (CR, UE 1, UE 2, and EE), compared to older children. This study provides preliminary evidence that FFEQ-R20 is a reliable and valid self-report tool to measure eating behaviour in children and adolescents to characterize those at higher risk for excess weight. However, further research is needed to examine the validity of the questionnaire in larger samples and in other geographical locations across Canada, as well as the inclusion of extraneous variables such as parental eating behaviour, socioeconomic status, and physical activity levels.

The main objective of this Diploma Thesis is to determine effects of endurance running on body weight reduction of men within the age group between 35 and 45 years young middle age. The theoretical part revealed interesting facts and compilations provided by various available resources related to the given issue and thus served as a basis for the elaboration of the practical part consisting in heart rate values obtained during several hours of endurance run. The impact on health of probands (tested men) was discovered while assessing heart rate, BMI values and anthropometric measurements of four skin-fold thickness by using skinfold calipers. The result revealed considerable reduction in body fat percentage rate as a consequence of endurance running which was proved as a convenient and recommended activity bringing many benefits to human health, such as reducing overweight of men within the aforementioned age group.

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Stephanie Lo, for the Masters of Science degree in Behavior Analysis and Therapy, presented on May 11, 2017, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: INCREASING HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES AMONG INDIVIDUALS AT A RESIDENTIAL FACILITY. MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. Ryan N. Redner Obesity and being overweight are rising issues in the United States and present unique challenges for individuals with disabilities. Even though individuals with disabilities are one of the most at risk groups for overweight and obesity, research with this population is lacking. The present study sought to build on behavior analytic research targeting weight loss in individuals with disabilities. The study examined the effect of goal setting plus feedback on eating behavior, specifically caloric intake, in two adult females with comorbid psychiatric and developmental disabilities. Results were variable, with only one participant completing all phases in the study. However, the intervention (goal plus feedback) was effective in decreasing caloric intake for both participants. This study adds to the limited research currently published on weight loss interventions with individuals with disabilities. Additionally, implications for future behavior analytic interventions on eating behaviors were discussed. Keywords: disabilities, overweight, obesity, food choice, goal setting, feedback

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women worldwide. Breast cancer treatments and treatment-related factors (type, dose, duration, and side-effects) have been found to be associated with weight gain in women. Overweight and obesity, in breast cancer survivors, is associated with increased risk of breast cancer-specific and all-cause mortality. Prognosis may be improved by maintaining a healthy weight but research in weight management in women treated for breast cancer is relatively limited. Aim: To design a weight loss trial for women treated for breast cancer and to evaluate its feasibility, and effect on body weight and quality of life (QoL). Methods: The development and evaluation of the trial was guided by the Medical Research Council framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions and involved mixed methods research. The development involved a systematic review of 13 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) targeting weight loss in women treated for breast cancer, and a mixed methods study [focus group meetings (n= 15), survey (n= 139), and interviews (n=20)] with the target population to understand their experiences and future preferences of a weight loss programme. The findings of these preliminary studies informed the design of a feasibility RCT of weight loss intervention. Results: 45 women (age 41-89 y; BMI 25.1–66.2 kg/m2) previously treated for breast cancer were randomly allocated to three groups: Weight Watchers vouchers for 12 weeks plus 5 dietitian-led support groups (WW plus: n=14); Weight Watchers vouchers only (WW: n=16) or waiting-list control (Weight Watchers vouchers after 3 months) (controls: n=15). Weight and QoL were measured at 0 and 12 weeks and data was available for 38 (84%) participants at 12 weeks. The trial was found to be feasible and acceptable for weight loss in this population. The controls, WW plus and WW group showed median (IQR) weight change of 0.07 (-0.4, 0.7) kg (p= 0.666), -2.90 (-6.5, -2.2) kg (p= 0.002) and -5.90 (-6.6, -5.1) kg (p= 0.001) respectively (between groups, p = 0.001). The regression model suggested that compared to participants in WW plus, participants in WW group lost significantly more weight (2.6 kg; 95% CI -0.38, -4.86) and control group participants lost significantly less weight (3.8 kg; 95% CI, 1.47, 6.16) over the 12 weeks. There were a number of significant improvements in different QoL scores in the intervention groups at 12 weeks. However, a significant difference in median (IQR) scores of the breast cancer specific QoL scale was observed between the three groups (p= 0.017) and it was higher in WW group [5.0 (1.5, 7.5)] compared to WW plus group [3.7 (2.0, 4.5)] and control [0.5 (-2.0, 2.2)]. Conclusions: The outcomes of this theoretically informed trial suggest that providing WW vouchers for overweight and obese women treated for breast cancer is feasible and shows promise for weight loss and improved QoL.

Orientador: Maria Rita Marques de Oliveira / Banca: Miriam Coelho de Souza / Banca: Marina Vieira da Silva / Banca: Vera Mariza Henriques de Miranda Costa / Banca: José Eduardo Corrente / Resumo: O estado nutricional da população infantil é um indicador relevante de saúde e qualidade de vida da população. Entretanto, faltam estudos longitudinais que dêem conta de avaliar a evolução do estado nutricional num mesmo grupo populacional, que confiram maior confiabilidade aos resultados. Assim, o objetivo desta pesquisa é, a partir de quatro estudos transversais e um longitudinal, avaliar a evolução do estado nutricional de escolares de 1a a 4a séries da rede pública do ensino fundamental da área urbana do município de Piracicaba/SP, de 2003 a 2006. Nesse período foram realizadas 16068 avaliações, sempre no segundo semestre de cada ano, em 9683 escolares de 12 unidades de ensino situadas nas 5 regiões administrativas da cidade de Piracicaba. Esses grupos de escolares avaliados anualmente foram chamados de levantamentos transversais. Ao grupo de escolares (n=347) acompanhado da 1a a 4a série, durante o mesmo período dos estudos transversais chamou-se grupo longitudinal. Foram aferidos o peso e a estatura e levantados dados de identificação pessoal (nome completo, sexo, data de nascimento, série e turma na escola). Os dados foram processados pelo programa Epi-info adotando-se a população de referência do NCHS/CDC - National Center Health Statistics/ Centers for Disease control and prevention - 2000 e expressos em escore-Z (Z) e percentil (P) dos indicadores de estatura para idade (E/I), peso para idade (P/I) e índice de massa corporal/idade (IMC/I). Para a classificação do estado nutricional foram adotados três critérios de pontos de corte segundo a curva da população de referência: NCHS/CDC, WHO - World Health Organization - e o adotado pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil. Para análise transversal, os escolares foram agrupados por idade, ano de avaliação e região. Já no estudo longitudinal foram agrupados por idade, que coincide com o ano ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The nutritional status of the pediatric population is a relevant indicator of the health and quality of life of the population. However, more longitudinal studies are needed to assess the nutritional status of a particular population group over time to improve the reliability of the results. Therefore, the objective of this study is to use four crosssectional studies and one longitudinal study to assess the nutritional status over time of first- to fourth-graders attending public elementary schools in the city of Piracicaba, SP, from 2003 to 2006. A total of 16068 assessments of 9683 schoolchildren of 12 schools located in the five administrative regions of Piracicaba were made during this period, always in the second semester of each year. These groups of schoolchildren assessed on a yearly basis were called cross-sectional groups. Another group of schoolchildren (n=347) was followed from first to fourth grades during the same period the cross-sectional studies were done. They were called longitudinal group. The following data were collected: name, gender, birth date, grade, class, weight and height. The data were processed by the software Epi-info using the NCHS/CDC - National Center for Health Statistics / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - 2000 population as reference and expressed as z-scores (Z) and percentiles (P) of the indicators height-for-age (H/A), weight-for-age (W/A), and body mass index-forage (BMI/A). The nutritional status was classified according to the cutoff points given by the NCHS/CDC, World Health Organization (WHO) and that used by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The schoolchildren were grouped by age, year of assessment and region for the cross-sectional assessment and grouped by age (which coincides with the year of assessment) for the longitudinal assessment. Changes in the nutritional status of these schoolchildren were characterized by reducing... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Submitted by Irene Nascimento (irene.kessia@ufpe.br) on 2016-07-13T16:23:31Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) DissertacaoFinal_Maira_22.01.16.pdf: 16468774 bytes, checksum: c1641a7c80fa9087218ff05f0c946365 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-13T16:23:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) DissertacaoFinal_Maira_22.01.16.pdf: 16468774 bytes, checksum: c1641a7c80fa9087218ff05f0c946365 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-12-14 / Introdução: Sobrepeso e obesidade estão associados à síndrome metabólica e obesidade abdominal, aumentando o risco de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e doenças cardiovasculares. No Brasil, ainda não há dados precisos sobre a prevalência destas alterações, principalmente entre pessoas que estão realizando algum tipo de atividade física em ambientes públicos. Objetivo: Investigar a prevalência da obesidade e comorbidades em frequentadores de um parque em Recife. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo prospectivo, transversal e descritivo, onde 619 indivíduos foram avaliados e estratificados por perfil definido em protocolo específico. Resultados: Características da população estudada: sexo feminino (50,1%) e média de idade = 50,6 ± 14,8, havendo predomínio entre 50 e 59 anos (26,8% dos casos) e de indivíduos com ensino superior (68%) e renda familiar entre 4 e 10 salários mínimos (29,2%). A prática regular de exercícios físicos foi relatada por 78% das pessoas e foi constatado ainda que 70,7% apresentavam excesso de peso: 45% com sobrepeso e 25,7% obesidade, dos quais 20,7% com obesidade grau I, 3,9% com grau II e 1,1% com grau III. A prevalência de síndrome metabólica foi de 4,3%, com predomínio nos homens (6,3%). Hipertensão arterial e diabetes mellitus tipo 2 foram detectados em 17,8% e 5,5%, respectivamente. Devido a influência da obesidade na ocorrência de diabetes mellitus 2 e síndrome metabólica, foi constatado que esta associação não é significativa para as duas condições (p=0,014 e 0,017, respectivamente). Conclusão: Os achados demonstram elevada prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade da população avaliada, e síndrome metabólica em 4,3%, apesar do relato de que 70% dos transeuntes realizavam atividade física regular. / Background: Overweight and obesity are associated with metabolic syndrome and abdominal obesity, thereby increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. In Brazil, there are still no precise data on the prevalence of these disorders, especially among individuals who carry out some kind of physical activity in public spaces. Aim: To investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and obesity among park users. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted with 619 individuals assessed and stratified by profile according to a specific protocol. Results: The group was characterized as follows: female (50.1%) and mean age =50.6±14.8, with predominance of individuals aged between 50 and 59 years (26.8%) and with higher education (68%) and a household income of between 4 and 10 minimum wages (29.2%). Regular physical exercise was reported by 78% of the individuals and it was found that 70.7% were nevertheless of above normal weight: 45% overweight and 25.7% obese, of whom 20.7% had obesity grade I, 3.9% grade II and 1.1% grade III. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 4.3%, mostly in men (6.3%). Arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus were detected in 17.8% and 5.5%, respectively. In view of the influence of obesity on the occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, it was found that this association was not significant for the two conditions (p=0.014 and 0.017, respectively). Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in the studied population, and metabolic syndrome in 4.3%, despite the fact that 70% reported engaging in regular physical activity.

Submitted by Fabio Sobreira Campos da Costa (fabio.sobreira@ufpe.br) on 2016-08-05T12:30:23Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Dissertação Niedja Lima versão final.pdf: 3101643 bytes, checksum: 4874a1751ede748411bd5315eb447fbe (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-05T12:30:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Dissertação Niedja Lima versão final.pdf: 3101643 bytes, checksum: 4874a1751ede748411bd5315eb447fbe (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-23 / O presente trabalho objetivou estimar a prevalência de excesso de peso em adolescentes de Recife, Pernambuco, e analisar sua associação com fatores socioeconômicos, demográficos, biológicos e de estilo de vida. Trata-se de um estudo transversal de base escolar, o qual está vinculado ao projeto de âmbito nacional “Estudo de Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes”- ERICA. Para essa casuística, foram avaliados 2404 adolescentes de 12 a 17 anos de Recife, regularmente matriculados em escolas públicas ou privadas. Para avaliação do estado nutricional dos adolescentes foram coletadas medidas de peso e altura, por avaliadores previamente treinados e utilizou-se o indicador IMC/ Idade, segundo o sexo. Todas as variáveis independentes foram referidas pelos adolescentes através da aplicação de um questionário. Para analisar os fatores associados ao excesso de peso, as variáveis foram agrupadas em: socioeconômicas e demográficas (escolaridade da mãe, cor da pele, rede de ensino, classe econômica, número de pessoas domicílio e número de televisões na residência); de estilo de vida (atividade física e alimentação) e biológicas (maturação sexual, sexo e faixa etária). A regressão de Poisson foi utilizada para verificar a associação entre o excesso de peso e as variáveis independentes. A prevalência de excesso de peso foi de 26,3%, sendo 16,3% de sobrepeso e 10% de obesidade. A rede de ensino, o número de televisões na residência, algumas variáveis da alimentação, a idade e a maturação sexual permaneceram associadas ao excesso de peso nos adolescentes, mesmo após o modelo ajustado. Nível socioeconômico mais elevado; menor faixa etária; maior estágio de maturação sexual e hábitos alimentares parecem ser os principais fatores determinantes do excesso de peso na população estudada. Espera-se que os resultados apresentados neste estudos possibilitem a criação e/ou o fortalecimento de políticas de combate ao sobrepeso e obesidade voltadas para a adolescência, para que possam apresentar efetividade na prevenção e tratamento deste agravo. / This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of overweight in adolescents of Recife, Pernambuco, and analyze its association with socioeconomic factors, demographic, biological and lifestyle. A cross-sectional study school-based, which is linked to the nationwide project "Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents" - ERICA. For this series, were evaluated in 2404 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years of Recife, enrolled in public or private schools. To assess the nutritional status of adolescents were collected weight and height measurements, by previously trained evaluators and used the indicator BMI / Age. All independent variables were reported by adolescents by applying a questionnaire. To analyze the factors associated with excess weight, these variables were grouped into: socioeconomic and demographic (mother's education, skin color, educational system, economy class, number of people address and number of televisions in the home); lifestyle (physical activity and feed) and biological (sexual maturation, gender and age). Poisson regression was used to investigate the association between excess weight and the independent variables. The prevalence of overweight was 26.3% and 16.3% of overweight and 10% obese. The school system, the number of televisions in residence, some power variables, age and sexual maturity remained associated with overweight in adolescents, even after the adjusted model. Higher socioeconomic status; lower age; greater sexual maturation and eating habits seem to be the main determinants of overweight in this population. It is hoped that the results presented in this study allow the creation and / or strengthening of policies to combat overweight and obesity facing adolescence so that they can provide effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of this disease.

INTRODUÇÃO - A obesidade é uma preocupação de saúde pública cada vez mais importante, em todo o mundo. A obesidade infantil, por sua vez, vem sendo associada a um alto risco de agravos infantis e de obesidade e doenças crônicas não transmissíveis na fase adulta. Admite-se que o início da vida seja um momento crítico e determinante para o risco do indivíduo desenvolver sobrepeso ou obesidade. Entretanto, não está definido se existe algum período de maior vulnerabilidade na fase pós-natal e qual seria o melhor marcador do crescimento da criança para indicar uma possível intervenção precoce que possa minimizar o risco de desenvolver excesso de peso ou obesidade. OBJETIVO - Analisar as relações existentes entre indicadores antropométricos de crescimento no primeiro ano de vida e o desenvolvimento de excesso de peso no início da idade escolar. MÉTODOS - Estudo de uma coorte histórica de uma unidade básica de saúde em São Paulo, Brasil. Os momentos analisados foram aos três, seis e doze meses e aos sete anos de idade. Avaliou-se a velocidade de crescimento e o crescimento alcançado durante o primeiro ano de vida frente aos desfechos: excesso de peso e obesidade aos sete anos de idade. As variáveis foram analisadas estatisticamente através do Coeficiente de Correlação de Pearson e das curvas ROC, além de terem sido estimadas a sensibilidade, a especificidade e o risco relativo. RESULTADOS - Os Coeficientes de Correlação de Pearson do ganho de peso por ganho de comprimento nos períodos de 0 a 3 meses, 0 a 6 meses e 0 a 12 meses foram, respectivamente, 0,23 (IC 95 por cento : 0,13 a 0,33), 0,29 (IC 95 por cento : 0,19 a 0,39) e 0,34 (IC 95 por cento : 0,24 a 0,43), todos significantes estatisticamente. Os Coeficientes de Correlação de Pearson do escore z do Índice de Massa Corpórea (IMC) para 3, 6 e 12 meses foram, respectivamente, 0,39 (IC 95 por cento : 0,29 a 0,48), 0,41 (IC 95 por cento : 0,32 a 0,50) e 0,42 (IC 95 por cento : 0,33 a 0,51). Para excesso de peso na idade escolar, a utilização do marcador escore z do IMC aos 12 meses maior que 0,49 apresentou sensibilidade de 68,29 por cento (IC 95 por cento : 59,3 por cento a 76,4 por cento ), especificidade de 63,51 por cento (IC 95 por cento : 56,6 por cento a 70,0 por cento ) e risco relativo estimado de 2,31 (IC 95 por cento : 1,69 a 3,17). Para obesidade, o mesmo marcador apresentou sensibilidade de 76,47 por cento (IC 95 por cento : 62,5 por cento a 87,2 por cento ), especificidade de 56,89 por cento (IC 95 por cento : 50,9 por cento a 62,7 por cento ) e risco relativo estimado de 3,49 (IC 95 por cento : 1,90 a 6,43). CONCLUSÕES - O primeiro trimestre de vida se revelou como sendo o período mais crítico, entre os estudados, para o desenvolvimento de sobrepeso ou obesidade no início da idade escolar. No entanto, o escore z do IMC acima de 0,49 aos 12 meses de vida se mostrou como o melhor marcador para esses dois desfechos. / INTRODUCTION - Obesity is a public health concern increasingly important worldwide. Childhood obesity, in turn, has been linked to a high risk of childhood diseases and obesity and chronic diseases in adulthood. It is assumed that the beginning of life is a critical and decisive time for the individuals risk of developing overweight or obese. However, it is not clear whether there is a period of greatest vulnerability at the early stage of postnatal life and which would be the best indicator of the child\'s growth to indicate a possible early intervention that can minimize the risk of overweight and obesity. OBJECTIVE Analyze the relationship between anthropometric parameters of growth in the first year of life and the presence of overweight at early school age. METHODS - A historical cohort study of a basic health unit in São Paulo, Brazil. The moments analyzed were at three, six and twelve months, and seven years old. It was evaluated the growth rate and the growth achieved during the first year of life compared to the outcomes: overweight and obesity at seven years old. The variables were statistically analyzed using Pearson Correlation Coefficient, ROC curves, sensitivity, specificity and relative risks. RESULTS - The Pearson Correlation Coefficients between the ratio of weight gain per height gain in 0-3 months, 0-6 months and 0-12 months were respectively 0.23 (95 per cent CI: 0.13 the 0.33), 0.29 (95 per cent CI: 0.19 to 0.39) and 0.34 (95 per cent CI: 0.24 to 0.43), all statistically significant. The Pearson Correlation Coefficients of body mass index (BMI) z scores for 3, 6 and 12 months were respectively 0.39 (95 per cent CI: 0.29 to 0.48), 0.41 (95 per cent CI: 0.32 to 0.50) and 0.42 (95 per cent CI: .33-.51). For overweight schoolchildren, the use of Z score of BMI at 12 months greater than 0.49 had a sensitivity of 68.29 per cent (95 per cent CI: 59.3 per cent to 76.4 per cent ), specificity of 63.51 per cent (95 per cent CI: 56.6 per cent to 70.0 per cent ) and estimated relative risk of 2.31 (95 per cent CI: 1.69 to 3.17). For obesity, the same marker had a sensitivity of 76.47 per cent (95 per cent CI: 62.5 per cent to 87.2 per cent ), specificity of 56.89 per cent (95 per cent CI: 50.9 per cent to 62.7 per cent ) and estimated relative risk of 3.49 (95 per cent CI: 1.90 to 6.43). CONCLUSIONS - The first three months of life is probably the most crucial period for the development of overweight or obesity at early school age. However, BMI z scores above 0.49 at 12 months of life proved to be the best indicator for these two outcomes.