Overgewicht en obesitas bij kinderen en adolescenten en preventieve maatregelen

- The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is increasing rapidly. This is alarming because obesity is associated with severe chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus.

- Obesity at young age is related to obesity at adult age. Consequently, the prevention of overweight from childhood onwards is an important issue.

- Apart from diabetes mellitus type 2 there is an increased risk of orthopaedic complications, respiratory problems, fertility problems, cardiovascular diseases and psychosocial consequences in the form of a negative self-image, emotional and behavioural problems and depression.

- Environmental and behavioural factors are regarded as the most important causes of the rapid increase in the prevalence of overweight and as the most important starting points for prevention.

- Most prevention programmes are still in the initial stages.

- Prevention programmes aimed at stimulating breast feeding and daily physical activity (playing outside) and the restriction of sweetened drinks and watching TV are very promising.

- With such preventive measures the involvement of both the school and the parents is important.