Researchers of a collaborative study by the NIH in collaboration with several academic institutions have reported that children who are overweight as toddlers or preschoolers are more likely to be overweight or obese in early adolescence.

The researchers' analysis of a periodically collected height and weight measurements of a sample of children (beginning at age 2 and continuing until age 12) appears in the September issue of Pediatrics.

The study results provide some of the strongest evidence to date that overweight in early childhood increase the chances for overweight in later life.

According to Duane Alexander, M.D., the Director of NIH's National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (which funded the study):

"These findings underscore the need to maintain a healthy weight beginning in early childhood.

Contrary to popular belief, young children who are overweight or obese typically won't lose the extra weight simply as a result of getting older."

Numerous previous studies have already shown that obesity in childhood persists through into adolescence and adulthood. This isn't good because overweight adults are always at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes.

Particularly for me this is a bit of a concern because I have always been on the heavier side of the weight scale and my son at barely four years is a whooping 23 kilos couple of months ago. (in photo taken a month ago)

Authors of this particular study mentioned above strongly suggests that parents with concerns of their children's weight should speak to their pediatricians about helping their children establish more healthy diet and exercise patterns.

Indeed it is difficult to control food intake of kids especially toddlers who are beginning to discover the pleasures of food. So I make sure to give less sweets especially if it is already towards the afternoon, minimal soda if none at all (fruit juices instead and milk of course) and more fruits like apples and bananas (usual favorites for kids, particularly mine) and lots of physical activities like playing ball, biking or simply "tag" with other kids in the neighborhood, on a regular basis (just so to burn all that carbo which is usually the bulk of a toddler's diet).

Read the full report at NIH News.