ABSTRACT
It is generally accepted that the pattern of future growth and development of any child represent the results of interaction between hereditary and environmental factors. The goal of this study is to determine if there were differences in the body size at birth in the high versus low economic classes. This study was distinctive in the sampling of two economic classes [high and low] in Egypt, and the use of seven anthropometric measurements and indices in addition to birth weight. The sample consisted of 1961 singleton full tern Egyptian neonates of low [n=816] and high [n=1145] economic classes. Egyptian neonates of high economic class are significantly advanced than low economic ones in body length [L], and sub scapular skin fold thickness [Subscap SF], while neonates of low economic have significantly higher values than others in mid-upper-arm circumference [MAC], triceps skin fold thickness [TSF], body mass index [BMI] and mid upper arm circumference [cm]/head circumference [cm] [MAC/HC] ratio in each sex separately, and in birth weight [Wt] for girls only. On the other hand, the values of head circumference [HC] are the same in the two classes. The economic class has an impact on fat distribution [peripheral, trunkal] as well as linear growth of Egyptian neonates, but has no effect on HC at birth. There is a tendency towards increase in nutritional anthropometrical indicators among the Egyptian neonates belonging to the low economic class compared to those of High economic class