[Overweight in children and youths--a 40-year follow-up study]

In 504 overweight children followed for 40 years, the degree of overweight in the family and in puberty were found to be determinants of the adult weight level. The level of persistent overweight in adulthood was 35 per cent (range, 20-60 per cent). Weight was above normal even in cases where food intake was within recommended norms. Excessive overweight in puberty was found to be associated with greater adult morbidity and mortality. Weight reducing measures should be instituted in cases of childhood overweight exceeding +3SD.