Children that suffer from obesity could be risking their long-term health even if they slim down by adulthood, according to the results of new research.

Scientists at the University of Oxford have published a report in the British Medical Journal that revealed being overweight during early years and as a teenager can substantially increase the risk of ill health as an adult.

Raised blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as thickening of the heart muscle are all side effects of obesity.

The researchers found that if these risk factors are allowed to progress into adulthood, overweight children could be at a 30 to 40 per cent higher risk of strokes and heart disease in the future.

According to the report, being obese could give youngsters a "head start on their normal and even overweight classmates" for future serious health problems. 

The scientists conducting the study defined being overweight as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 30, while a BMI of 30 or more classed an individual as obese.

Written by Donal Walsh

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