Effects from childhood obesity can linger into adulthood

CHICAGO, Ill. (WPVI) -- We're learning more about the lingering effects of childhood obesity.

If someone is overweight as a child, the chances of being obese as an adult are much greater.

And according to some new studies, it gets worse as you get older.

A 2-year-old who is overweight has a 79-percent chance of being obese at age 35.

A 19-year-old has a 94-percent chance of this.

Obesity is linked to diabetes, heart disease and many other chronic illnesses.

But changes in behavior-- healthier eating and exercise -- can help a child avoid this fate.