156EARLY INFANT WEIGHT GAIN AND BREASTFEEDING INFLUENCE METABOLIC SYNDROME RISK IN ADOLESCENTS: A LONGITUDINAL STUDYThis study investigated the association between infant weight gain in the first three months of life and the risk of metabolic syndrome among adolescents aged 16-17. Linear regression analysis was employed, considering variables such as breastfeeding during infancy, gender, weight, and socioeconomic status. The study cohort comprised mostly males (51%), with 40% of infants exclusively breastfed for the first days after birth, weighing 3.5 kilograms on average and born at 40 weeks of gestation. Rapid weight gain in infancy was found to be independently associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome in adolescence. This risk was mitigated when infants were exclusively breastfed for the initial days after birth. The findings contribute to our understanding of the impact of early child development and breastfeeding on long-term health outcomesDamisetti@gmail.comResearch922019Metabolic Syndrome, Infant Weight Gain, Breastfeeding, Adolescence, Cardiovascular Risk, Long-Term Outcomes.Damisetti Santhi PriyaAssistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences & Hospital, Osudu, Puducherry – 605502, India