Researchers are warning that childhood obesity must turn into a major concern when a child reaches eleven years of age. Research shows that children who still carry excess weight by the age of eleven are more likely to carry it into adulthood, increasing bad habits and the risk of developing diabetes.

A study by scientists at University College London who tracked nearly 6,000 children in Britain over five years showed about a quarter had a weight problem when they entered secondary school.

"Children who joined the study at age 11 and were already plump did not slim down at all over the five years of follow-up," said study head Professor Jane Wardle.

The research, published online by the British Medical Journal, suggests that by the age of 11 a tendency to be overweight or obese is already set.

"It looked like obesity at 11 is already persistent obesity, so these things are being set earlier than we had previously thought," she told Reuters.

Obviously, we need to encourage our children to be as healthy as possible, especially in this age of obesity-related health problems such as diabetes. How can we do this without making children feel ashamed or resentful? Have you helped your family transform 'bad' habits? Do you have any tips for those hoping to do the same? If you need advice, here is an excellent site that can help.

(Photo Source: My Overweight Child)