Child and adolescent obesity is a serious public health problem across the European Union, United States and Australia.

One of the most surprising things about childrens obesity is that, while most people think that this is very much a problem which is restricted to the richer western societies, statistics show that it is now many of the third world countries who are experiencing the fastest growth in child obesity.

Although this is a major problem today, it could well be just the tip of the iceberg and the situation will probably get much worse before it gets better. Child obesity is becoming an epidemic, with 30% of children estimated to be considered overweight or obese by 2010.

Many incorrectly assume that childhood obesity is ‘baby fat’ and that the child will grow out of it. Overweight children are usually found in families where one or both parents are overweight.

This is generally because the family consume too much “junk” food, rather than eating fresh, nutritionally balanced meals, combined with a sedentary lifestyle spent watching TV and playing computer games, rather than doing physical, outdoor activities.

Overweight children often suffer at school from teasing about their appearance and stereotypes regarding their character, due to preconceptions that overweight children are “lazy” or “have no feelings”.

They are often subjected to exclusion by their peers, which can affect their emotional well-being.

Many obese children are so embarrassed by their bodies that they try and disguise the problem by wearing oversized but unflattering clothes.

They are also reluctant to take part in any sports, particularly swimming, where they feel vulnerable and exposed.

This avoidance of physical activity is an obvious compounding of the problem, as the child’s health will decline further and they may become increasingly isolated and become depressed.