Latest news with #JasminDeGroot
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Scientists pinpoint exact age you'll be obese for life
A child's weight at just six years old is crucial to predicting whether they're likely to be obese as an adult, concerning research has suggested. Dutch scientists said the first five years of a child's life were the most important for giving them a 'chance at a happy, healthy life'. Analysing the health records of more than 3,500 children, they found that every one-unit increase in BMI at the age of six more than doubled their odds of being overweight or obese at 18. Being very overweight or obese is known to increase the risk of a multitude of diseases, from diabetes to several types of cancer. Experts today, who labelled the findings important, said it showed access to healthy foods at nurseries and pre-schools as well as early intervention, was vital. Professor Jasmin de Groot, an expert in behavioural science at the University Medical Centre Rotterdam and an author of the study, said: 'We need to understand how children grow and develop if we are to help future generations grow up healthier. 'Our research assists with this by showing that a child with obesity isn't destined to live with overweight or obesity as a young adult—and that the first five years of a child's life provide a fantastic opportunity to intervene.' In the study, the scientists used data from 3,528 Dutch children and tracked their body mass index (BMI) at age two, six, 10, 14 and 18. Presenting their findings at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Spain, they also said that if a child with a higher BMI reached a healthy weight by the age of six, they were no longer at risk. Current data shows around 21 per cent of five-years-old in England are obese. It comes as separate research presented at the congress found that the number of teenagers who are overweight has increased by 50 per cent over the last 15 years. British experts, who led the research, blamed the surge on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and poor lifestyle choices such as excessive screen time and not enough exercise. The study, by University of Bristol researchers, tracked those aged 12 to 17 and found the percentage who were overweight or obese increased from 22 per cent in 2008-2010 to 33 per cent in 2021-2023. Foods laden with additives, such as crisps and sweets have long been vilified for their supposed risks, with studies linking them to heart disease and cancer. But experts are now calling for UPFs—typically anything edible that has more artificial ingredients than natural ones—to be slashed from diets. Last year, the Government announced a ban on TV adverts for junk food before 9pm, in an effort to tackle childhood obesity. The ban is set to come into effect in October 2025. But they have been urged to enact stronger policies such as banning junk food shops near schools. Obesity itself increases the chances of person suffering serious health conditions that can damage the heart, such as high blood pressure, as well as cancers. Around two in three adults in the UK are obese or overweight, giving the country one of the highest obesity rates in Europe. Last year, a sobering report also suggested Britain's spiraling obesity levels have fuelled a staggering 39 per cent rise in type 2 diabetes among people under 40, with 168,000 Brits now living with the illness. Piling on the pounds has also been linked to at least 13 types of cancer and is the second biggest cause of the disease in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK.
Telegraph
12-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
The age at which scientists can tell if you'll be obese for life
The weight of a child aged six is the best predictor of whether they will be obese in adulthood, research has found. Experts from the Netherlands said the first five years of a child's life are crucial when it comes to preventing obesity in the future. They suggested the first years of life were a 'fantastic opportunity to intervene' and give youngsters a 'chance of a happy, healthy' future. Researchers used data from a study known as Generation R to track the BMI of thousands of children in the Netherlands at age two, six, 10, 14 and 18. They found every one unit increase in BMI at age six more than doubled a child's odds of being overweight or obese at 18. They also suggested if a child with a higher BMI reached a healthy weight by the age of six, they were no longer at risk. Presenting the findings at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Jasmin de Groot, of Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, said: 'We need to understand how children grow and develop if we are to help future generations grow up healthier and give every child a chance at a happy, healthy life. 'Our research assists with this by showing that a child with overweight or obesity isn't destined to live with overweight or obesity as a young adult. 'The first five years of a child's life provide a fantastic opportunity to intervene and prevent them experiencing overweight and obesity in the years to come.' Separate research presented at the congress showed that excess weight among teenagers in England has soared by 50 per cent over the past 15 years. Medics said ultra-processed foods such as packaged snacks and fizzy drinks, and sedentary lifestyles driven by excessive screen time were to blame for the rise, The study by the University of Bristol tracked those aged 12 to 17 and found the percentage who were overweight or obese increased from 22 per cent in 2008-2010 to 33 per cent in 2021-2023. Dr Dinesh Giri, the lead researcher and a consultant paediatric endocrinologist at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, said: 'Over the past 15 years, obesity in adolescents has risen significantly due to a combination of increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, sedentary lifestyles driven by excessive screen time, inadequate sleep and rising mental health challenges. 'Additionally, reduced opportunities for physical activity and socioeconomic disparities have further contributed to an environment that promotes unhealthy lifestyles.'
The Independent
12-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
First five years of life key to preventing obesity, researchers suggest
The first five years of a child's life are crucial when it comes to preventing obesity in the future, according to researchers. Experts in the Netherlands found body mass index (BMI) at age six is a better predictor of obesity in later life than at other points of childhood. They suggest the first years of life are a 'fantastic opportunity to intervene' and give youngsters a 'chance at a happy, healthy' future. Researchers used data from an ongoing study known as Generation R to track the BMI of thousands of children in the Netherlands at age two, six, 10, 14 and 18. Of the 3,528 youngsters, some 32.3% were considered overweight or obese at age two, with 22.3% at age six, 24.7% at age 10, and 20.6% at age 14. Many of these children were still classed as overweight or obese at age 18. Researchers found every one unit increase in BMI at age six more than doubled a child's odds of being overweight or obese at 18. They also suggest if a child with a higher BMI reached a healthy weight by the age of six, they were no longer at risk. Presenting the findings at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Jasmin de Groot, of Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, said: 'We need to understand how children grow and develop if we are to help future generations grow up healthier and give every child a chance at a happy, healthy life. 'Our research assists with this by showing that a child with overweight or obesity isn't destined to live with overweight or obesity as a young adult – and that the first five years of a child's life provide a fantastic opportunity to intervene and prevent them experiencing overweight and obesity in the years to come.'
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Being overweight as a young child could double risk of adult obesity, research shows
Being overweight as a young child could double the risk of being obese in adulthood, according to research. Academics from the Netherlands said the body mass index (BMI) of six-year-olds is the most reliable predictor of obesity in adulthood and the first five years are critical in preventing weight gain. The study tracked the BMI of thousands of children in the Netherlands at age two, six, 10, 14 and 18, and found that every one-unit increase in BMI at age six more than doubled a child's odds of being overweight or obese at 18. The research, presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Málaga, also found overweight children who reached a healthier weight before they turned six were no longer at higher risk of being overweight or obese in their late teens. But if they lost weight after that age, they still had an elevated chance. Of the 3,528 young people, 32.3% were considered overweight or obese at age two, with 22.3% at age six, 24.7% at age 10 and 20.6% at age 14. Many of these children were still classed as overweight or obese at 18. Jasmin de Groot, of Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, said: 'We need to understand how children grow and develop if we are to help future generations grow up healthier and give every child a chance at a happy, healthy life.' She added: 'The first five years of a child's life provide a fantastic opportunity to intervene and prevent them experiencing overweight and obesity in the years to come.' Related: Children as young as two treated for obesity-related illness in England Separate research by the University of Bristol presented at the congress found the number of overweight teenagers in England has increased by 50%, from 22% in 2008-2010 to 33% in 2021-2023. Lead researcher Dr Dinesh Giri, consultant paediatric endocrinologist at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, said: 'Over the past 15 years, obesity in adolescents has risen significantly due to a combination of increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, sedentary lifestyles driven by excessive screen time, inadequate sleep, and rising mental health challenges. 'Additionally, reduced opportunities for physical activity and socioeconomic disparities have further contributed to an environment that promotes unhealthy lifestyles.'
The Guardian
11-05-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Being overweight as a young child could double risk of adult obesity, research shows
Being overweight as a young child could double the risk of being obese in adulthood, according to research. Academics from the Netherlands said the body mass index (BMI) of six-year-olds is the most reliable predictor of obesity in adulthood and the first five years are critical in preventing weight gain. The study tracked the BMI of thousands of children in the Netherlands at age two, six, 10, 14 and 18, and found that every one-unit increase in BMI at age six more than doubled a child's odds of being overweight or obese at 18. The research, presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Málaga, also found overweight children who reached a healthier weight before they turned six were no longer at higher risk of being overweight or obese in their late teens. But if they lost weight after that age, they still had an elevated chance. Of the 3,528 young people, 32.3% were considered overweight or obese at age two, with 22.3% at age six, 24.7% at age 10 and 20.6% at age 14. Many of these children were still classed as overweight or obese at 18. Jasmin de Groot, of Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, said: 'We need to understand how children grow and develop if we are to help future generations grow up healthier and give every child a chance at a happy, healthy life.' She added: 'The first five years of a child's life provide a fantastic opportunity to intervene and prevent them experiencing overweight and obesity in the years to come.' Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion Separate research by the University of Bristol presented at the congress found the number of overweight teenagers in England has increased by 50%, from 22% in 2008-2010 to 33% in 2021-2023. Lead researcher Dr Dinesh Giri, consultant paediatric endocrinologist at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, said: 'Over the past 15 years, obesity in adolescents has risen significantly due to a combination of increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, sedentary lifestyles driven by excessive screen time, inadequate sleep, and rising mental health challenges. 'Additionally, reduced opportunities for physical activity and socioeconomic disparities have further contributed to an environment that promotes unhealthy lifestyles.'
