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Tracking Body Mass Index Into AdulthoodKvaavik E, Tell GS, Klepp K: Predictors and Tracking of Body Mass Index From Adolescence Into Adulthood. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2003; 157(12):1212-1218.
Body mass index (BMI) has become the standard for judging whether someone is overweight. This study tracked 485 subjects from 15 to 33 years of age, examining the effect of health-related behaviors (leisure time physical activity, smoking, and physical fitness), parents' BMI, and adult education as predictors of adult overweight and obesity.
Results showed those with the highest BMI at baseline had the highest risk of having a BMI of 30 as an adult. Women were more likely than men to move down in BMI rank, while men tended to move up in BMI rank. The adolescents' BMI and their fathers' BMI were the strongest independent predictors of adult BMI, however, both parents' degree of being overweight and obese are predictive of the child's risk of becoming overweight. Leisure time physical activity appears to have a protective effect on becoming overweight. Smoking and educational levels act as variable predictors.
This study encourages obesity prevention at a young age. Supportive parents and physical activity promotion are critical management components.