The first study in Canada believed to look at serious weight problems — in toddlers — suggests one in four 18-month-olds is already overweight, obese or at risk of becoming overweight. Until now, there has been a dearth of data on rates of overweight children and obesity for those under three, the research team writes in this week’s issue of CMAJ Open. The study found that, overall in 2013, 28 per cent of children ages five to 19 were categorized as overweight or obese. Above 29 pounds (13 kg) would be considered overweight; above 32 pounds, obese. In cases where parenting training or counselling fail, “placement of the severely obese child under protective custody warrants discussion,” the authors argued.

Source: National Post September 29, 2016 03:45 UTC