(Image source: Wikimedia Commons ) BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN Researchers say with a simple formula, a child’s risk of obesity can be predicted AT BIRTH. That formula is available online , and takes into account the baby’s birth weight, body mass index of both parents, and whether the mother smoked during pregnancy. WJHG : “Experts say it could give doctors a chance to intervene in at-risk families early, teaching parents about good nutritional habits.” For the study, which began in 1986, researchers followed 4,000 children from birth. According to the researchers, their formula accurately predicted obesity 85 percent of the time. In the U.S., more than a third of children were either overweight or obese in 2008, which US News and World Report says could lead to health issues like: - Heart disease - Bone and joint problems - Sleep apnea - Type 2 diabetes Researchers say they hope knowing a child’s risk will encourage parents to teach healthy habits early.