Path to Obesity May Begin in Infancy

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35352934/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

A new study suggests that the "tipping point" in obesity occurs before the age of 2, and sometimes as early as 3 months. 37% of American children are overweight, and about 16% of children ages 2 to 19 are obese, putting them at risk for many health issues, including type-2 diabetes and high cholesterol and blood pressure.

The medical records of 111 children who were considered overweight, were studied. Researchers found that participants had started gaining weight in infancy at an average weight of .08 excess BMI units per month, or just under 1 BMI point per year. On average, this progression toward obesity began when the children were 3 months old. More than 50% of the children became overweight at or before they turned 2, 90% did before reaching age 5.

"Too often, doctors wait until medical complications arise before they begin treatment. What this study suggests is that prevention of obesity should begin far, far earlier," said lead researcher Dr. John Harrington, a pediatrician at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters.