ABSTRACT
In most countries where data are available, the prevalence of childhood overweight has increased [1] to the point of becoming a major public health problem. Although there is some indication that this epidemic may be leveling-off in certain countries over recent years, this evidence is less apparent in lowerSES groups and does not seem to be the case for Canada and some European and Asian countries [2]. Childhood overweight is also associated with numerous short and long-term physiological and psychosocial negative health consequences in both individuals and populations [3-6]. Some studies purport that the epidemic of overweight is due to an increased consumption of low-nutrient, energy-dense products that are high in sugar and fats [7-11]. Others suggest that weight increases are mainly attributable to physical inactivity [10, 11].
