Adolescent Obesity

A child with a high BMI is more likely to be obese or overweight as an adult, says a study. Simultaneously, Adolescent health is a matter of concern.

The researchers used revised BMI for age charts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to have an idea about the probability that an overweight or obese child will be that way when they grow up.Also, it says a BMI of 25 or more is considered overweight for both males and females aged 2 to 20 years.

The study found that the higher a child's or adolescent's BMI, the more likely they would be an obese adult.

The study included males and females who were enrolled in the study soon after they were born. A comparison was done between their weight and stature when they were 3 to 20 years old and when they were 30 to 39 years old.

Young males with high BMI were more likely to be overweight adults than young females with high BMI.

Here's an example of what the researchers found: A 12-year-old girl with a BMI of more than 25 would be in the 95th percentile of BMI for her age, the expert says, and would have more probability of being an overweight adult.

The researchers say the findings mean that adolescence is a critical period in terms of lifetime weight management.

They recommend this predictive approach be used to evaluate and monitor children and adolescents who are in the 85th or higher percentile of BMI for their age.

Advice to avoid Obesity:

Inspite, how much excess weight or fat you have, if you want to lose weight permanently, your diet plan should be directed towards a slow, steady weight loss. According to official government dietary guidelines, unless your doctor feels your particular health condition would benefit from more rapid weight loss, you should expect to lose no more than 2 pounds of fat a week, although initial loss (mainly water) may be greater.