Are Population-Based Health Promotion Strategies Enough to Address Child and Adolescent Obesity? (Report‪)‬

Introduction In New Zealand, obesity in children is a significant issue. Forty one percent of Maori and 62% of Pacific children are obese compared with 24% of New Zealand European children (Capital and Coast DHB, 2004). The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has a significant impact on both physical and psychosocial health and they are at risk of ill health as adults. Given the insidious consequences of obesity, understanding how best to prevent it remains a principal research priority for health practitioners. For the purpose of this discussion I will define child and adolescent obesity, discuss the causes and factors that influence child and adolescent obesity and discuss its subsequent links to the development of adult diseases. I will also undertake a critical analysis on whether child and adolescent obesity population-based interventions in a school setting are a viable strategy to prevent the subsequent development of adult obesity, mortality and disease.