Body composition in adults born preterm with very low birth weight

Abstract

In mid-adulthood, individuals born preterm with very low birth weight had similar body fat percentage but lower lean body mass than those born at term. This was largely explained by their shorter height. First study to report longitudinal assessments of body size and composition from young to mid-adulthood in very low birth weight adults. Lower lean body mass in very low birth weight adults could contribute to lower insulin sensitivity and muscular fitness and lead to earlier functional limitations with increasing age.