Discovery Fit & Health Insider

11/30/2012

Childhood obesity has tripled in the past 30 years, so it's not odd to question your own bundle of joy's chances of being overweight. Luckily, scientists have just discovered a calculation to determine infants' risks for obesity.

The calculation is determined by six different factors:

The child's birth weight
The child’s body mass index
The parents’ measurements
How many people are living in the household with the child
The mother’s occupation
Whether or not the mother smoked while she was pregnant

Dr. Philippe Froguel, a professor at the School of Public Health at the Imperial College of London and author of the study, broke down why this calculation is so successful when he said: "This test takes very little time, it doesn't require any lab tests and it doesn't cost anything.” Cost being the operative word. Other obesity tests require expensive genetic research while this calculation proves to be both successful and completely free.

According to the CDC, in 2008 one out of every three children in the United State was overweight or obese. Additionally, the percentage of children ages six to 11 years old in the U.S. that are obese has increased from seven percent in 1980 to 20 percent in 2008. Similarly, adolescents ages 12 to 19 experienced a similar uptick during this time period, increasing from five to 18 percent over time.

If you are concerned that your child may be at risk for childhood obesity, or simply want to know more about this calculation, put it to the test!

In the coming years, this calculation may serve as a great help in fighting the battle against childhood obesity. And with the help of politicians like Michelle Obama and state level school regulations, the U.S. could have a fighting chance at getting our kids healthy and helping them avoid chronic health issues such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

By: Jen Wolfe

For More Information on Childhood Obesity:

10 Things Parents Can Do to Fight Childhood Obesity

Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Childhood Obesity?

What You Need to Know About Childhood Obesity