Early Childhood Antibiotic Exposure May Increase Risk of Obesity

A recent study presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2025 Meeting suggests that children who are exposed to antibiotics before they turn two are at a higher risk of gaining excess weight during childhood. The research analyzed data from over 33,000 children born via vaginal delivery in Finland and found that those who received antibiotics within their first two years had an increased Body Mass Index (BMI), with an adjusted average increase of 0.067. This group also faced a 9% higher likelihood of being overweight and a 20% increased chance of obesity compared to children who did not receive early antibiotics.

Interestingly, the study revealed no significant correlation between BMI and antibiotic use during pregnancy or at birth. Antibiotic prescriptions to young children are quite common, with many infants receiving antibiotics during their first two years. About 25% of children are given antibiotics during pregnancy, and approximately one-third are exposed during vaginal birth.

According to Sofia Ainonen, MD, Ph.D., from the University of Oulu in Finland, early antibiotic exposure has a stronger association with childhood weight gain than exposure during pregnancy or at other early ages. She emphasized the importance of cautious prescribing, especially unnecessary antibiotic use for common illnesses like upper respiratory infections in young toddlers.

Childhood obesity has become an escalating global concern, with more than 159 million school-aged children affected in 2022. This study aimed to explore the timing of antibiotic exposure around the perinatal period and its long-term impact on BMI at ages two and twelve.

The findings highlight the necessity for healthcare providers to evaluate the need for antibiotics in young children carefully. Reducing unnecessary antibiotic use could be a crucial step in addressing the rising rates of childhood obesity.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-antibiotic-exposure-age-linked-childhood.html