Childhood onset of obesity: does an obese child become an obese adult?

The aim of this study was to highlight the influence of age of obesity onset on anthropometric parameters in obese adults. We examined 1,451 obese adults with childhood or adolescent onset of obesity, divided into three subgroups in regard to age of onset of obesity: group A--onset before 4 years, group B--onset between 5 and 11 years, and group C--onset between 12 and 19 years. Significantly higher values for body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were found in groups with earlier obesity onset, but not for body fat percent (%BF) and waist to hip ratio (WHR). Age of obesity onset may have a significant influence in the persistence of obesity and adverse consequences in adult life. Treatment of obesity and other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases should be initiated as early as possible.