Life at 3
Childhood Obesity
Find out why 1 in 4 toddlers are getting too fat and what it takes to keep a child a healthy weight.
Life at 3 - Childhood Obesity
"The Life Series" brings together the latest science on the biggest health issue facing Australian children - childhood obesity.
The Longitudinal Study has revealed that 25% of our toddlers are already overweight or obese and that the frontline of the battle against obesity is in the first three years of life. The Life Series website has brought together the hottest new biological and behavioural science on obesity as we hunt out the causes and discover how to keep a child a healthy weight.
The television episode "Fighting Fat" weaves together the science of obesity with the lives of the "The Life Series" children and their family's to pinpoint some key factors-some surprising-about why toddlers and children are getting too fat. Can science explain why quintuplet Ben, the tiniest of toddlers, is at risk of being overweight as an adult? Does looking into Joshua's ancestry reveal why some kids eat too much? Will Shine be at risk of becoming obese simply because she lives in a low-income postcode?
Obesity - Part 1
Latest findings, Biology of appetite, Evolution and appetite , Impact of Postcode, Enemy in our pantry.
Obesity - Part 2
Does food equal love, Epigenetics, Low birth weight, Waistlines since 1854 , Remote control lifestyle.
How to calculate your child's Body-Mass Index
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a weight-for-height. It can help decide whether kids and adults are underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese.
The link below takes you to an on-line BMI calculator on the website of the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.
BMI Calculator
If you're concerned about your child's weight, talk to your doctor or child health nurse.
Key Findings on Obesity
from Wave 1 and 2 of Growing Up in Australia,
The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children
How to keep your child a Healthy Weight - Diet
Check List for your Home and Neighbourhood
How to keep your child a Healthy Weight - Exercise
Check List for your Home and Neighbourhood
For more information: Resources > Childhood Obesity
