Health and nutrition series--1. What do we know about ... childhood obesity?

The incidence of obesity among children in the UK has been increasing since the 1980s and is a "hot topic" among health professionals, Government, the media and some parents. It is an emotive subject which often attracts instant opinions and hasty solutions. To provide sound, balanced advice it is important that health professionals are aware of current evidence about the prevention and management of obesity in children, and differences between child and adult obesity. This article summarises the evidence and offers some practical tips. It also considers child obesity in the context of the family.