<P> A baby born small or large for gestational age (either of the two extremes) is thought to have an increased risk of obesity in later life, but it was also shown that this relationship is fully explained by maternal weight . </P> <P> Growth hormone (GH) therapy at a certain dose induced catch - up of lean body mass (LBM). However percentage body fat decreased in the GH - treated subjects . Bone mineral density SDS measured by DEXA increased significantly in the GH - treated group compared to the untreated subjects, though there is much debate over whether or not SGA (small for gestational age) is significantly adverse to children to warrant inducing catch - up . </P> <P> Babies that have a low birth weight are thought to have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in later life . </P> <P> Some studies have shown a direct link between an increased birth weight and an increased intelligence quotient . Increased birth weight is also linked to greater risk of developing autism . </P>

Average weight of a newborn in the us