The average age at which people in the UK first become obese is decreasing, figures show.
University College London researchers looked at data from more than 56,000 people born in Britain between 1946 and 2001.
They found a clear shift over time, with obesity becoming more common and starting earlier in life.
The latest data, however, suggests childhood obesity may now be stabilising among the under-10s.
But it is too early to say if this will continue. Public health officials have said they are concerned.
Obese children often go on to be obese adults, carrying with them an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.