The Quadratic-Exponential-Pubertal-Stop model is valid for analysing human growth patterns and developing novel growth references

Abstract

Aim: Human growth patterns are important, especially in paediatrics and public health, and the aim of this review was to provide an overview of human growth, especially secular changes of growth and pubertal growth. Methods: This review of human growth was mainly based on studies published during the 20th and early 21st centuries. Special attention was paid to secular changes, pubertal growth, Nordic growth studies and the contribution of the Quadratic-Exponential-Pubertal-Stop (QEPS) growth model for analysing growth patterns. Results: Human growth patterns showed wide variations between different individuals, sexes and populations and over time. There were ongoing positive secular change in height in four of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, over four decades. Childhood weight status had linear correlations with specific pubertal growth, in both healthy children and those with severe obesity. The QEPS model provided novel estimates of pubertal growth that made it possible to conduct more detailed analyses of pubertal growth than before. Growth references, adjusted for puberty, have been developed, and future opportunities for using the QEPS model for growth studies are highlighted. Conclusion: The QEPS was a valid growth model for analysing human growth patterns and developing novel types of growth references.