Eureka! Institutional Repository

he increased prevalence of overweight children is one of the most important public health problems as it has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. The effects of childhood obesity are associated with high risk factors for chronic conditions such as arterial hypertension, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, some types of cancer and other adverse effects. The modern way of life for children and their families, which tends to identify with the so-called "western" standard of living as well as other environmental factors, has been shown through numerous studies to lead to increased rates of childhood obesity. Tackling it can have significant benefits for the health and well-being of children, but also for national health services and the economy of each country. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and present the prevalence of obesity in school children aged 8-10 years in primary schools in Kastoria.