Obese Baby

Despite chubby infants having the oh-so-cute factor, many plump babies grow up to be obese teens and adults, putting them at risk of serious health problems. In a new study “researchers say their findings suggest the “tipping point” in obesity often occurs before a child reaches age 2 and sometimes as early as three months. The results come amid increased recognition that childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate. First lady Michelle Obama just kicked off a national campaign to fight the problem. In fact, about 37 percent of American children are overweight, and about 16 percent of children ages 2 to 19 are obese, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ‘I really think this should be a wake-up call for doctors,’ said lead researcher Dr. John Harrington, a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters and an assistant professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School. ‘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.’”