Kids' Weight Can Forecast Adult Obesity
It's Not Just the Heaviest Kids Who Are at Risk
March 10, 2005 -- Kids whose weight is on the high side of normal may need a little extra help to avoid obesity later in life.
Research has already shown that overweight and obese kids are more likely to have weight problems as adults. Now, a new study suggests that kids who are in the upper end of the normal weight range could also be at risk.
"It's important to not just wait [until kids become overweight or obese]," says Alison Field, ScD, assistant professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and Children's Hospital Boston. "Think about it at an earlier stage," she tells WebMD.
"The message really is for clinicians and parents," she continues. Doctors and parents may want to "think more broadly" about a child's weight, even when it's still in the normal range, she says.
For instance, "if a child is in the 50th percentile, then the 65th the next year, then the 75th, that should be a message to the clinician and the parent to think, 'What can we do to stop the excessive weight gain?'" says Field. "Think about prevention at younger ages."
Overweight kids and teens are more than twice as common as they were 20 years ago, says Field's study. About 30% of teens are overweight or at risk for overweight, says the study, citing government figures from 1999-2000.
It's a touchy topic. On one hand, excess weight can nudge people toward diabetes, heart disease, and other serious health problems.
But at the same time, kids are still growing, and their body image may be vulnerable. How can adults help them reach a healthy weight without compromising kids' nutrition or esteem?
Fields offers this advice:
- See a doctor. Get expert advice to make sure kids' special dietary needs are met. Encourage activity. "It will help burn more calories and hopefully make kids more body confident, as well," says Field.
- Limit portion sizes. For instance, order a medium or small size when eating out.
- Eat at home more often. It's easier to control portions (and ingredients) when you're dishing out the food.
- Don't single children out. Instead, make healthy eating and activity a family project.