Scientists from the University of Colorado School of Medicine are stressing the importance of maintaining a healthy diet stemming from childhood . According to the research, a child who is excessively overweight may be at an increased risk of suffering from obesity, diabetes or heart disease in their adulthood.

The investigators claimed that childhood obesity is becoming more prevalent, which could lead to a higher obesity rate in the future adult population and other chronic disorders such as heart disease or diabetes. They added that children who are excessively overweight could already exhibit early signs of these problems, including high cholesterol and blood pressure as well as insulin resistance.

In their article, authors Megan Moriarty-Kelsey, M.D., and Stephen Daniels, M.D., stressed that dietary intervention is crucial and important in preventing childhood obesity because it decreases the risk of chronic diseases. It also helps to combat childhood health issues, including type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease, the scientists suggested.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that encouraging healthy eating habits and physical activity among children can help to prevent excessive weight gain. Between 1976 and 2008 obesity increased by 13 percent among children who were 6 to 11 years old.