Study Highlights Long-Term Health Impact of Early Growth
A new scientific study suggests that body weight during childhood, particularly around the age of ten, along with growth patterns through adolescence, may play a significant role in determining the risk of developing diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease later in life.
Genetics Influence How Children Gain Weight
Researchers from the found that nearly 25 percent of variations in how children’s body weight changes between ages one and 18 can be attributed to genetic factors. This highlights the importance of looking beyond population averages when assessing healthy growth.
Why Growth Patterns Matter More Than a Single Measurement
Instead of focusing on body mass index (BMI) at a single age, scientists analysed how BMI changes over time. This approach helped reveal how genetics influence not just body size, but the speed and pattern of growth through childhood and teenage years.
Early Weight Gain Does Not Always Mean Lifelong Obesity
The researchers noted that weight differences seen in younger children do not automatically translate into obesity or health problems in adulthood. Genetic factors affecting body size in infancy may differ from those influencing body composition during adolescence.
Large-Scale Data Strengthens Findings
The study analysed nearly 66,000 BMI measurements collected from more than 6,300 children aged between one and 18 years. The findings were published in the journal.
Data Sourced From Long-Term UK Health Study
The analysis was based on data from the “Children of the 90s” project, a long-running research initiative led by the. The project tracks environmental and genetic factors affecting health and development from childhood into adulthood.
Implications for Obesity Prevention
Researchers say the findings could help identify the most effective stages of childhood to intervene in order to prevent obesity-related diseases. Further research may guide personalised approaches to healthy growth and long-term disease prevention.
