A Wayne State University study published in this month's issue of the American Journal of Health Promotion reveals that one third of infants in the United States are obese or at risk for obesity. Children above the 95th percentile on standard growth charts were considered obese. Those in the 85th to 95th percentile were considered at risk for obesity. While there are many culprits, from overfeeding babies to sedentary toddlers and processed foods, some pediatricians and obesity experts say parent education is the most important factor in preventing the undesirable weight gain that can lead to obesity-related diseases later in childhood. Obesity is surfacing before babies celebrate year one. According to Detroit sociologist Brian Moss, lead author of the Wayne State University study, 32% of 9-month-olds are obese or at risk for obesity. The study of 8,000 infants was one of the first to monitor weight status changes of a nationally representative sample of children 2 and younger.
