Overweight and obesity are defined as an excessive accumulation of adipose tissue. In children under 5 years of age, overweight is identified when the weight-for-height index is greater than ≥2 SD of the median of the World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards for children; while obesity is diagnosed when this indicator is ≥3 SD of the median.

Childhood obesity has short and long-term physical and psychological consequences for health. Children who are overweight or live with obesity are more likely to live with obesity in adulthood and to develop chronic diseases at an earlier age. This has economic and health consequences for both the individual and the healthcare system in general.