Co-Recovery of Physical Size and Cognitive Ability from Infancy to Adolescence: A Twin Study

This study tested phenotypic and biometric associations between physical and cognitive catch-up growth in a community sample of twins (n = 1,285, 51.8% female, 89.3% White). Height and weight were measured at up to 17 time points between birth and 15 years and cognitive ability was assessed at up to 16 time points between 3 months and 15 years. Weight and length at birth were positively associated with cognitive abilities in infancy and adolescence (r’s = .16-.51). More rapid weight catch-up growth was associated with slower, steadier cognitive catch-up growth. Shared and nonshared environmental factors accounted for positive associations between physical size at birth and cognitive outcomes. Findings highlight the role of prenatal environmental experiences in physical and cognitive co-development.