Excess weight or obesity in a child can lead to a whole range of health problems, as well as to a deterioration of the psychological state. Scientists from University College London (University College London) identified three factors of influence, because of which children can be overweight. Firstly, it is mother’s smoking during pregnancy, secondly, skipping breakfast, which is often called the most important meal, and thirdly, lack of sleep, as well as lack of a regimen, can lead to obesity.

A research team from the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Center, led by Allison Smego, found that measuring body mass index for 6, 12, or 18 months old children would help predict the risk of obesity at an older age..

For scientific work, college specialists used data on children born in 19,244 British families between September 2000 and January 2002.. Their height and weight were measured at the age of 3, 5, 7, and 11 years, and, accordingly, scientists could calculate their body mass index (BMI). It was found that in those children whose mothers smoked while carrying them, as well as in those whose daily routine left much to be desired (different bedtime, lack of breakfast, a small amount of sleep), BMI grew faster. Professor Yvonne Kelly, who led the study, explained that due to improper daily routines, children could have increased appetite and eat more high-calorie foods to maintain activity. Smoking also led to impaired motor skills in children and provoked a lack of movement, resulting in weight gain.

In the majority of children, BMI was stable throughout the study - 83.3% of them were. In 13.1% of children, BMI grew slowly, in 2.5% - quickly.. Another 0.6% of children were overweight at 3 years, but by the age of 7 they returned to normal. There were quite a few girls in the BMI slow growth group, and black British were more likely to be in the fast growth group. Scientists also noted that the weight did not depend on whether the children were breastfeeding and how early they introduced solid food..

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