Models for the Patterns of Growth by Socio-Economic Status

Growth status of children (1-18 years) has been found influenced by season of birth, improvements of socio-economic status, maternal nutritional status and nutrient adequacies. In countries like Japan, generations of today are found taller and heavier than those of earlier generations. Americans of today are observed taller and heavier than those of earlier decades. Prevalence rates of overweight or obesity are found increasing with a higher level by age and sex. In India, children of all ages are observed to have varying heights and weights by variations in social and economic status. In some countries, children of all well-to-do communities are as tall and heavy as those of Harvard, NCHS and others in USA. Dietaries of well-to-do communities were also better in quality and quantity than those of poor income groups in many countries including India. It is of interest to quantify the variations in patterns of growth by age and sex and assess the differentials if any between children of Urban Hyderabad (India) and USA.