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<bold>Aims and objectives:</bold> Reduced lung function (LF) at a young age is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality later in life. We explore the prevalence, changes over time and related factors of various FEV1 courses. <bold>Methods:</bold> 615 children (age 6-15 yrs) and 1649 adolescents/young adults (age 16-30 yrs) with pre-bronchodilatator spirometry and body plethysmography from the LEAD study (<ext-link>NCT01727518</ext-link>) were stratified in 4 LF-categories based on their FEV1 values (mean follow-up 4.4±0.7yrs) (Fig. 1). Individual factors on medical history, body composition, lifestyle, activity/strength and socioeconomic factors were analysed. <bold>Results:</bold> Change within LF-category was detected in 10.5% of children and 8.0% of young adults, with 3.6% and 3.4% showing catch-up, and 4.6% and 1.8% growth failure, respectively. <fig><object-id>erj;66/suppl_69/PA394/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig> Growth failure was significantly more pronounced in children than in adolescents (FEV1 -15.7% vs.-8.5%; TLC -11.3% vs.-3.9%). In young adults, unhealthy nutrition, poor muscle strength and inactivity, higher FeNO values (mean 42.5ppb) and lower socioeconomic status were observed more often (p=0.028, p=0.002, p=0.021; respectively) in declining than in stable normal LF. Lower body mass index and muscle mass, asthma diagnosis and positive bronchodilator response were associated with growth failure regardless of age. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Some associated factors for growth failure are modifiable indicating the need for early detection and intervention.