Researchers at the University of Queensland say they have developed a way to accurately predict childhood obesity. The newly-validated i-PATHWAY model uses risk factors and weight statistics from a baby’s first 12 months to predict the likelihood of a child becoming obese by 8 to 9 years old. The development is a step forward in Australia’s efforts to fight childhood obesity as the government report that in 2017 - 18, a quarter of children and adolescents were overweight and one in twelve were obese.