Growth and Nutrition: Preliminary Findings from the Round 5 Survey in Peru

Abstract

Fewer Younger Cohort children were stunted (15%) than the Older Cohort (31%) at the same age. In the Younger Cohort there was a marked reduction of stunting between the ages of five (Round 2) and eight (Round 3) consistent with catch-up growth. A further reduction between the ages of 12 (Round 4) and 15 (Round 5) highlights adolescence as a second opportunity for catch-up, a trend also observed among the Older Cohort. While differences in stunting between urban and rural children have decreased and the greatest reduction in stunting between 2013 (Round 4) and 2016 (Round 5) has been witnessed among rural settings and poorer households, these groups are still the most likely to be left behind and to be food-insecure. Overweight and obesity are increasing. 15-year-olds in 2016 (Younger Cohort) are more likely to be overweight or obese than 15-year-olds in 2009 (Older Cohort), especially in urban areas. Across both cohorts, there is an association between early puberty and later obesity for girls, with increased risk of chronic diseases later in life. Compared with the Older Cohort at the same age, the Younger Cohort ate a slightly more diverse diet. Improvements were greatest in the rural areas and in poorer households Young Lives is an international study of childhood poverty, following the lives of 12,000 children in 4 countries (Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam) over 15 years. Young Lives is funded by the UK Department for International Development