Obesity
Key points
- The terms overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat.
- One in three of the world's adult population is overweight and almost one in 10 is obese.
- A healthy approach to diet and exercise can prevent obesity.
- School A to Z features links to third-party websites and resources. We are not responsible for the content of external sites.

Understanding obesity
The terms overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health.
If they [parents] truly care they've got to take control.
At least one in three of the world's adult population is overweight and almost one in 10 is obese.
There are over 20 million children under age five who are overweight.
See the World Health Organisation's figures for the nature of this global epidemic and the scale of the problem in Australia.
Steps to a healthy lifestyle
Overweight and obesity are largely preventable. The key to success is to achieve a balance between calories in and calories out – eat well and get active.
More information
- World Health Organisation
- Measure Up
- Wikipedia - obesity
- Healthy kids
- Healthy and active kids
- Go for 2&5
- Kids' lunch snacks review - Choice
- Obesity and nutrition - Choice
- Dietary guidelines for all Australians
- Centre for Overweight and Obesity
- NSW Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey 2004
- Obesity bookmarks
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Doing it by the book
As a parent it's only natural to want to help your child, but when it comes to homework and study, the completed work should be theirs.
Here are some important points to remember to ensure your child is following good practice for a lifetime of learning.

