INFANT OBESITY

Why infant obesity is bad

Chunky babies are often a good thing. Babies need fat for certain developmental stages. But infant obesity represents a condition that goes beyond healthy baby fat and into a serious condition that can lay the foundation for an unhealthy childhood and even adulthood.

Babies who gain weight rapidly are on pace to be at risk for obesity by age 3. This means that weight gained in infancy can lead to later obesity, not just as a child, but in adulthood as well. Some research reports indicate that eating patterns established as early as three months of age can predict the likelihood of a child’s obesity later in life.

Childhood obesity is associated with a greater risk of developing high blood pressure, sleep disorders, early puberty, and diabetes. A lifetime of obesity can include not just these problems, but also issues such as joint problems, heart disease, cancer, and stroke.

Signs and symptoms of infant obesity

You may not be able to identify obesity just by looking at your child, as babies have different body frames and need varying amounts of fat for their stages of development. It’s important to visit your pediatrician regularly so that you’re able to check your baby’s BMI against growth charts for his or her age. Your pediatrician can also assess your baby’s weight based on developmental factors.