A recent study from the Netherlands underscores the crucial role of early childhood in preventing obesity. Researchers found that a child’s body mass index (BMI) at age six serves as a stronger predictor of obesity in later years than measurements taken at other childhood milestones.
The study analyzed data from over 3,500 children participating in the Generation R study, tracking their BMI at ages two, six, 10, 14, and 18. Findings revealed that 32.3% of children were overweight or obese by age two, 22.3% at age six, 24.7% at age 10, and 20.6% at age 14. Importantly, many children classified as overweight or obese in early years remained so by age 18.
Significantly, the research showed that every one-unit increase in BMI at age six more than doubled the likelihood of being overweight or obese at 18. Moreover, children who attained a healthy weight by age six, even if previously overweight, were no longer at elevated risk.
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Presenting at the European Congress on Obesity, Jasmin de Groot of Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, emphasized the potential of early intervention. “The first five years of a child’s life offer a fantastic opportunity to guide healthy growth and prevent obesity later on,” she said. “Our findings highlight that early excess weight does not condemn a child to obesity in adulthood, reinforcing the value of timely support to ensure a healthier future.”