Over nutrition in babies could lead to need for obesity healthcare plan in later life

A new study has suggested that over nutrition in younger years can lead to a greater risk of becoming overweight or obese as an adult, possibly leading to the need for a healthcare plan.

Researchers from the University College London Institute of Child Health have found that body fat mass in five to eight-year-olds was 22 per cent to 38 per cent greater in those who were given nutrient-enriched milk as babies than those who had standard formula.

Although previously demonstrated in animals, it is the first time a link between over-feeding in babies and weight gain in later life has been established in humans.

The scientists say the findings, published online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, confirm previous estimates that more than 20 per cent of adult obesity may be caused by over-nutrition or other early excessive weight gain in infancy.

Professor Atul Singhal, who led the study, said: "This study robustly demonstrates a link between early nutrition and having more fat in later life in humans - a finding suggested by previous studies and confirmed in many other animals."

A number of conditions are thought to be caused by or linked to being overweight or obese, including heart disease and high blood pressure.

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