About this Book

The increasing prevalence of obesity, sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits among children and adolescents is very concerning. The main risk factors that lead to childhood weight problems and obesity are an increase in meals eaten outside of the home, a rise in access to high-fat foods, high consumption of energy-packed foods, a sedentary lifestyle or skipping breakfast. This is concerning, as obesity, inadequate physical activity (PA) and unhealthy diets are associated with chronic diseases. Therefore, promoting healthy eating and sufficient PA among children and adolescents has become a research priority and an important public health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers schools a critical setting for improving public healthy eating and decreasing the risk of unhealthy weight gain in childhood. In particular, environmental interventions are recommended as they are more likely to lead to behavioural change. Thus, promoting adequate PA and a healthy diet among school-aged children is essential.