Australian babies being born bigger, says study

Australian babies are being born heavier, increasing the likelihood of health problems later in life, a new study has found.

Researchers analyzed records from more than a million births in New South Wales state between 1990 and 2005, finding the number of boys considered heavy increased 18 percent, with the figure rising to 21 percent for girls.

The study by researchers at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital warned that high birthweights, typically four kg or more, were associated with increased risk of cancer, asthma and diabetes later in life.