In July 2004, the UK government has released new data on child health, showing nearly 27% of UK children aged 2-15 to be overweight or obese, as measured by internationally-defined criteria.

The importance of studying early obesity and overweight is highlighted by the increasing body of evidence that links obesity with numerous long-term and immediate health risks. Childhood and adolescent obesity can persist into adulthood, where the direct health risks of obesity are severe and well-established.It has been estimated that up to 50% of obese adolescents remain obese in adulthood.Other studies have linked childhood and adolescent fatness directly to middle-age mortality and morbidity. In addition to the increased risk for health problems in later life, children face the immediate health consequences of obesity, including increased risks for abnormal lipids profile and elevated blood pressure.

 See The Health of children and young people: Anthropometric measurements, overweight, and obesity