Early Childhood Years: A Crucial Period to Prevent Overweight and Obesity

The first five years of a child's life are increasingly recognized as a vital window for preventing overweight and obesity later in life. Recent research presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025) in Malaga, Spain, highlights how early growth patterns significantly influence future weight status. The study found that a child's body mass index (BMI) at age 6 is a stronger predictor of being overweight or obese at age 18 than BMI measurements taken earlier or later in childhood. Specifically, each one-unit increase in BMI at age 6 more than doubles the likelihood of obesity or overweight status at 18.

Importantly, the research shows that children with a higher BMI who achieve a healthier weight before age 6 tend to reduce their risk of obesity in adolescence, whereas those who improve their BMI after age 6 still face increased risks. This underscores the importance of early interventions during the initial years of life.

The study utilized data from a long-term cohort involving 3,528 children in Rotterdam, Netherlands, tracking BMI from birth through late adolescence. Researchers observed that BMI tends to increase with age, and slowing this increase—indicating healthier growth trajectories—is associated with better outcomes.

Data revealed that over 20% of children at ages 2, 6, 10, and 14 were overweight or obese, with many remaining in this range into adulthood. The findings emphasize that maintaining a healthy BMI early in childhood can substantially influence one's health in later years.

De Groot from Erasmus MC stresses the importance of monitoring BMI in early childhood to identify at-risk children and implement preventive strategies. The research advocates for more targeted early-life interventions to curb the rising tide of childhood and adolescent obesity, giving future generations a healthier start and reducing the burden of obesity-related health issues.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-child-years-critical-window-opportunity.html