The global increases in childhood obesity accompany an increased risk of developing chronic disease. Although childhood obesity can result in a number of disorders including hypersinsulinaemia, poor glucose tolerance, sleep apnoea, social exclusion and depression, the greatest health problems are likely to be seen in the next generation, as the current childhood obesity epidemic passes through into adulthood.

In January 2008, the Department of Health released a new strategy to help tackle the rising tide in childhood obesity: ‘Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives’. This document outlines strategies to achieve the ambition of reducing the number of obese and overweight children to 2000 levels by 2020.

For more information about healthy weight in children please visit: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Yourchildshealthandsafety/YourChildsHealth/DG_066077/