2. Why identify infants at greater risk of overweight?

Early identification of infants at risk of becoming overweight is important because overweight children:

• have a higher risk of health problems such as type 2 diabetes
• are less active, less physically coordinated and less confident about being active
• often experience teasing and bullying as a result of their weight
• are more vulnerable to low self-esteem and poorer mental health
• find it more difficult to manage chronic health conditions like asthma and diabetes
• are more likely to become overweight adolescents and adults