Risk of childhood obesity can be predicted at birth

A simple formula can predict at birth a baby’s likelihood of becoming obese in childhood, according to a study published in the open access journal PLOS ONE.

The formula, which is available as an online calculator, estimates the child’s obesity risk based on its birth weight, the body mass index of the parents, the number of people in the household, the mother’s professional status and whether she smoked during pregnancy.

The researchers behind the study hope their prediction method will be used to identify infants at high risk and help families take steps to prevent their children from putting on too much weight.