Being overweight as a young child could double risk of adult obesity, research shows

Dutch researchers said children’s first five years are critical in preventing future weight gain. Photograph: Ian West/PA

Being overweight as a young child could double the risk of being obese in adulthood, according to research.

Academics from the Netherlands said the body mass index (BMI) of six-year-olds is the most reliable predictor of obesity in adulthood and the first five years are critical in preventing weight gain.