This paper presents the results of a longitudinal study, conducted in
Matlab, Bangladesh, that examined to what extent the level of stunting
in adolescence can be predicted by nutritional status in early
childhood and maternal height. A linked set of data collected from the
same individuals at two moments in time, i.e. early childhood
(1988-1989) and adolescence (2001), was analyzed. The study found that
the odds of being stunted in adolescence could be explained by the
combined effect of being stunted in childhood and having a mother whose
height was less than 145 cm. Also, girls were more likely than boys to
be stunted in childhood, whereas boys were more likely than girls to be
stunted in adolescence. The latter is probably attributable to
differences in the pace of maturation. In terms of policy and
(reproductive health) programmes, it is important to recall that
adolescent girls whose height and weight were subnormal (weight <45
kg and height <145 cm) might run an obstetric risk. Following these
cut-off points, 83% and 23% of 16-year-old girls in this study would
face obstetric risk, respectively, for weight and height if they marry
and become pregnant soon