Study finds a child's BMI at age six strongly predicts adulthood obesity, stressing early life's impact.

Researchers in the Netherlands found that a child's BMI at age six is a key predictor of obesity in adulthood, emphasizing the importance of the first five years of life for preventing weight issues. The study, which tracked thousands of children at various ages, showed that those with a higher BMI at age six had a significantly increased risk of obesity at 18, but if they reached a healthy weight by six, their risk was not elevated. These findings highlight the critical window for intervention to promote a healthy future.