The developmental origins of well-being
The developmental origins of well-being
Low birthweight is now known to be associated with increased rates of coronary heart disease and the related disorders, stroke, hypertension and adult-onset diabetes. These associations have been extensively replicated in studies in different countries and are not the result of confounding variables. They extend across the normal range of birthweight and depend on lower birthweights in relation to the duration of gestation rather than the effects of premature birth. The associations are thought to be consequences of developmental plasticity, the phenomenon by which one genotype can give rise to a range of different physiological or morphological states in response to different environmental conditions during development. Recent observations have shown that impaired growth in infancy and rapid childhood weight gain exacerbate the effects of impaired prenatal growth. A new vision of optimal early human development is emerging, which takes account of health and well-being throughout life.
developmental plasticity, chronic disease, reproductive fitness
1359-1366
Barker, D. J. P.
963dd42f-0bfc-46f5-87b0-1ba13c545500
2004
Barker, D. J. P.
963dd42f-0bfc-46f5-87b0-1ba13c545500
Barker, D. J. P.
(2004)
The developmental origins of well-being.
Philosophical Transactions of The Royal Society A, 359 (1449), .
(doi:10.1098/rstb.2004.1518).
Abstract
Low birthweight is now known to be associated with increased rates of coronary heart disease and the related disorders, stroke, hypertension and adult-onset diabetes. These associations have been extensively replicated in studies in different countries and are not the result of confounding variables. They extend across the normal range of birthweight and depend on lower birthweights in relation to the duration of gestation rather than the effects of premature birth. The associations are thought to be consequences of developmental plasticity, the phenomenon by which one genotype can give rise to a range of different physiological or morphological states in response to different environmental conditions during development. Recent observations have shown that impaired growth in infancy and rapid childhood weight gain exacerbate the effects of impaired prenatal growth. A new vision of optimal early human development is emerging, which takes account of health and well-being throughout life.
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Published date: 2004
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One contribution of 12 to a Discussion Meeting Issue 'The science of well-being: integrating neurobiology, psychology and social science'.
Keywords:
developmental plasticity, chronic disease, reproductive fitness
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Local EPrints ID: 25238
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/25238
ISSN: 1364-503X
PURE UUID: a5ca7671-1cc3-4a42-aa80-bf23aeefb99a
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Date deposited: 11 Apr 2006
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 07:01
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Author:
D. J. P. Barker
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