Adiposity Rebound
Adiposity rebound is the natural rise in body fat that happens in early childhood after a low point around age 5–6; when it occurs earlier than usual, it can signal a higher risk of obesity later in life.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
Children's body fat naturally dips to a low point around age 5 to 6, then rises again as they grow — this rise is called the adiposity rebound. When the rebound happens earlier than average, it is linked to a higher chance of carrying excess weight as a teenager and adult. Tracking a child's growth over time helps doctors spot this pattern early.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Adiposity rebound refers to the second rise in body mass index (BMI) that follows the nadir typically reached between 5 and 6 years of age. Longitudinal cohort studies show that an earlier rebound — before about age 5 — is associated with higher adult BMI and greater adiposity, possibly reflecting early overnutrition, rapid infant weight gain and altered regulation of energy balance. It is used as an early-life indicator of obesity risk rather than a diagnosis in itself.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
Because adult weight problems often begin in childhood, recognising an early adiposity rebound allows families and doctors to act early. At Accord Medical, Dr Joseph Wang supports weight management across the family, including guidance on children's growth and healthy habits.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.