Rapid weight gain in an infant's first few months could indicate an increased risk of an overweight child, a new study reports.

The study, published in this month's issue of Pediatrics , took the measurements of 19,397 full term babies born between 1959 and 1965 at 12 sites across the United States, then measured them again at four months and at 7 years of age.

The researchers found that rapid weight gain within the first four months of life was associated with a greater risk of being overweight at age 7. For each extra 100g (3.5 oz) increase in weight per month over the average, the risk increased by about 30 percent.

It is not known if the rapid weight gain actually causes later weight problems, or if the association is due to other factors, explains Dr. Nicolas Stettler, lead author of the current study and assistant professor of pediatrics and epidemiology at Children's Hospital in Philadelphia.

But previous studies have demonstrated that extra weight during childhood can mean weight troubles in adulthood.

Babies on Diets?

With 61 percent of the U.S. population either overweight or obese and at risk for a host of related health concerns such as diabetes and heart disease, "fat" is fast becoming a national concern.

"The prevalence of overweight children ages six to 11 has more than tripled in the past 30 years," says Stettler. "That's why we did this study. We were concerned."

"Research shows that at 5 to 7 years old, we can be pretty predictive of what we'll find 15 years later," says Dr. Gerald Berenson, director of the Tulane University Center for Cardiovascular health and a professor of medicine, pediatrics and biochemistry.

So in light of these health concerns and this new data, should parents be considering restrictions on their newborn's diets? The answer is no.

"It is not advisable for a parent to make the decision to decrease feeds to an infant," says Sheah Rarback, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. "Babies should be allowed to feed until their hunger is satisfied."

Parents concerned about their infant's weight should address these concerns with their pediatrician.

"Using [a] growth grid, a professional could determine a rapid weight gain," says Rarback. "A registered dietician would evaluate growth and [food] intake and then make recommendations."

Active Answers

So what should parents be doing to make sure that their infants grow up to be healthy children and adults? Experts say that breastfeeding is important.

"We know that breastfed infants gain weight more slowly," explains Stettler. "So breastfeeding is something that can be done safely."

Stettler says parents can also try to follow the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which advise that only breast milk be given for the first six months of life.

"Breastfeeding a newborn is the recommendation given by all professionals involved with infant nutrition," adds Rarback. "The benefits are numerous."

In addition to feeding, parents can take an active role in ensuring the physical health of their children later in life by setting a good example.

"Parents have to look at themselves and their own eating habits, their own activity," says Berenson. "Parents need to keep themselves active and be role models."

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