The first 1000 days is a concept in
child development
Child development involves the Human development (biology), biological, developmental psychology, psychological and emotional changes that occur in human beings between birth and the conclusion of adolescence. Childhood is divided into 3 stages o ...
that
public health interventions which support children during their first 1000 days of life are especially effective.
Good
nutrition
Nutrition is the biochemical and physiological process by which an organism uses food to support its life. It provides organisms with nutrients, which can be metabolized to create energy and chemical structures. Failure to obtain sufficient ...
at this time affects many health outcomes. There are various risk factors in the first 1000 days which, if present, are predictors of later
obesity
Obesity is a medical condition, sometimes considered a disease, in which excess body fat has accumulated to such an extent that it may negatively affect health. People are classified as obese when their body mass index (BMI)—a person's ...
.
Children establish many of their lifetime
epigenetic characteristics in their first 1000 days.
There are other health recommendations for what to do after the first 1000 days.
Stunted growth may be remedied (
catch-up growth
Compensatory growth, known as catch-up growth and compensatory gain, is an accelerated growth of an organism following a period of slowed development, particularly as a result of nutrient deprivation. The growth may be with respect to weight or ...
) by attainment of proper nutritional status. This is especially important in adolescent girls, where it may break a cycle of inter-generational underdevelopment.
References
{{reflist
External links
First 1000 Days a UNICEF publication
Child development
Pediatrics