Scientists Question Core Assumption About Childhood Obesity Origins For decades, researchers have relied on a critical phase in childhood development known as adiposity rebound to predict long-term obesity risk. This phase, marked by a temporary rise in body mass index (BMI) around age 5 to 7, was considered a reliable indicator of future weight gain. However, a recent study published in *The Journal of Nutrition* now challenges this foundational assumption, suggesting the metric may overstate its relevance. The research team, led by Dr. Elena Martinez at the University of California, analyzed...