Genetic Determinants of Longitudinal Changes in Anthropometric Traits

Children who have unfavourable growth through early life are at increased risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. This study aims to perform the largest genetic analysis of growth across early life, and then investigate the relationship between maternal characteristics during pregnancy (such as high blood pressure and gestational diabetes) and early life growth of her offspring. Understanding the causes of unfavourable growth will enable public health initiatives to be developed to improve long-term outcomes.