Low birthweight babies struggle to feed, gain weight, fight off infections and can develop breathing difficulties. Dr Berglind said the 7.9 watt increase in output for every 1lb (450g) of birth weight translated into a 1.34 (34 per cent) increase in metabolic equivalent (MET). Low birthweight babies struggle to feed, gain weight, fight off infections and can develop breathing difficulties. In developing countries, poor growth in the womb is one of the major causes of low birthweight. Low birthweight is often due to prematurity as a result of high maternal age.

Source: Daily Mail January 31, 2020 12:57 UTC