Born obese: Are U.S. children doomed to an overweight life?

America's kids are fat. And they're getting fatter ... earlier. According to a recent study published by the American Journal of Public Health, one in three low-income kids is obese -- a number that's obviously troubling pediatricians and nutrition experts. "Obesity is often seen as an adult's problem. But it's just as much of an issue with children, very young children," says registered dietician Jae Berman.

Kids don't just wake up one day obese at age 5 or 8. Some experts say the risk of being obese starts very early in infancy. "Too many parents think baby fat is cute," says Kendra Davis, an 18-year-old high school senior who has battled obesity her entire life. "I was one of the kids whose cheeks you'd like to pinch because they were so round and full. Everyone used to say 'how cute.' Now I have to worry that my life expectancy is drastically cut short because I'm more than 100 pounds overweight."