Latent Classes of Anthropometric Growth in Early Childhood Using Uni- and Multivariate approaches in a South African Birth Cohort.

Four latent classes of growth were identified within standardized height and standardized weight.Three latent classes of growth were identified within standardized body mass index and standardized weight-for-length/height.Five latent classes of growth were identified within a multivariate response of standardized height and standardized weight.Latent classes identified using various composite measures of standardized height and standardized weight (standardized body mass index and standardized weight-for-length/height and a multivariate response of standardized height and standardized weight) were distinct, reiterating the benefit of examining each outcome.A strong association was found between various growth classes and abnormal growth features such as rapid weight gain, stunting, underweight and overweight.