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Australian Prescriber Vol. 26 No. 2 2003

Treatment of childhood obesity

Australian children are getting fatter. Many foods and drinks are marketed directly to children, which can encourage unhealthy eating habits. Changes in society are making children less active. They may have nowhere to play, watch a lot of television and get a lift to school.

If a child is putting on too much weight, the whole family has to be involved in helping them not get too fat. As well as eating healthier food, this also means more exercise. This exercise does not have to be at the gym. Sports, ball games, dancing or playing outside can all count as exercise. Increasing everyday activities such as walking also helps.

There are no medicines for the treatment of overweight children.