Comparative study on childhood obesity in villages and town

Background: Levels of childhood obesity are increasing at alarming rates in many countries, including Macedonia. This rise in the number of overweight children is disturbing because it causes health problems and can lead to social problems. The most common causes are genetic factors, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of these factors. Methods: Study involves more than 400 school-aged children (two generation with 7 and 10 years) in Stip (Macedonia), and 100 children (the same generation) in surrounding villages of Stip. Overweight children are measured (BMI) in primary care during the past 3 years (2007-2010). Conclusion: The last indicates that children who lives in the town (Stip) are more likely to be obese than childen in the villages. Probably the changes in the environment playing the key role. Environmental and social factors are the prime cause of modern obesity. Environmental and behavioural factors have a greater influence - consuming excess calories from high-fat foods and doing little or no daily physical activity over the long run will lead to weight gain. Regular monitoring of physical parameters, psychological, behaviour, diet and exercise should be part of the treatment package. Childhood obesity represents one of our greatest health challenges