Objectives

To determine whether stunted young children are at greater risk of (1) overweight/obesity or thinness, and (2) high blood pressure (HBP) in adolescence.

Methods

A secondary data analysis using the Indonesian Family Life Survey waves 1 (1993) to 4 (2007). We generated a 14-year follow-up cohort (1993–2007) and two 7-year cohorts (1993–2000 and 2000–2007) of children aged 2.0–4.9 years. Stunting (HAZ < −2), thinness (BMIZ < −2), and overweight/obesity (BMIZ > +1) were determined based upon the WHO Child Growth Standards. HBP (>90th percentile) was interpreted using the 4th Report on the Diagnosis of HBP in Children and Adolescents.

Results

765, 1083, and 1589 children were included in the 14-year cohort, and the two 7-year cohort analyses, respectively. In the 7-year cohorts, early life stunting was inversely associated with overweight/obesity (prevalence ratio 0.32 and 0.38, respectively; P < 0.05), but no significant association was found with the 14-year cohort. There was no significant association between childhood stunting and thinness at adolescence or in the odds/likelihood of having high systolic or diastolic blood pressure.

Conclusions

We found no association between early life stunting and overweight/obesity, thinness and HBP in adolescence.