Dr Ken Ong said: We previously identified the first gene variant “ in the insulin gene “ related to common differences in birth size and we have since done a number of further studies to confirm that this genetic finding is true

This insulin gene variant now also appears to affect childhood growth rates. In future doctors might be able to screen all early catch-up infants for the insulin gene variant, so that children who are at greater risk of developing diabetes or heart disease could be advised on lifestyle changes to avoid falling ill. 

Dr Ong said: We have found that a combination of very early growth measurements and genetic testing can predict which babies will grow into the heavier fatter children - and so will have increased risk of disease in later life.

If we can predict this by the age of one “ with a combination of growth charts and genetics tests - we could do something about it early,  rather than wait until they clearly have a weight problem as older children.