Abstract

Childhood, overweight and obesity are increasingly significant problems, and ones that are likely to endure and to have long term adverse influences on the health of individuals and populations unless action is taken to reverse the trend. A number of factors have been suggested as contributing to the development of childhood obesity. These include genetic factors, decreasing levels of physical activity, increased time spent in sedentary behavior and changes in diet. In addition, lifestyle factors, including family influences, changes in society and media advertising, have been associated with the increasing incidence of obesity and overweight in childhood. To address the problem, health care professionals should incorporate appropriate screening in their child practice. Comprehensive assessment of children who are, or who are at risk of becoming, obese is also necessary.