The problem of overweight and obesity among children and young people has become more prominent during last ten years. Dramatic growth of body mass excess is found mainly between inhabitants of highly developed countries of Europe and North America and is strictly connected with the increase of fat content in food parallel with decrease of physical activity. Statistics from the last years show the gravity of the problem, in Poland children suffering overweight constitute 2,5 — 12% of developmental population, in Europe 6 -15% whereas in USA about 25%, Taking into consideration common occurrence and numerous consequences (diabetes, hypertension) overweight and obesity during childhood and adolescence have been recognised as diseases associated with the progress of civilization of this century. Regarding above-mentioned risk prophylaxis, which should be implied from early childhood, is of high importance. Prophylaxis of overweight and obesity is a chance for developing countries for achieving real health and economic benefits.