Childhood weight gain isn’t just “baby fat” that disappears. When kids gain too much weight early on, they often carry it into adulthood. And it’s not just about appearance. Extra weight can mess with your sleep, mood, heart, hormones — basically, your whole body. The earlier it starts, the harder it is to change later.
And here’s the surprising part: it’s not only about food. Not sleeping enough, not moving, stress, and even your home environment all play a role. One study even found that getting a new sibling between ages 2 and 4 is linked to healthier body weight. Yep, sometimes even family timing can affect your body.
The good news? It’s not set in stone. If you start building healthier habits early — like sleeping more, moving your body, and cutting back on junk food — it can make a huge difference. You don’t have to be perfect. Just a few small choices now can shape the version of you you’ll grow into later.
Szilágyi Mónika
