Abstract
It is well recognized that obese children are very likely to become obese adults. Relatively few studies have investigated dietary habits and weight of primary school children from varying ethnic backgrounds. Five hundred and sixteen primary school children of ages from 8 to 14 years were studied. Schools were selected from four socioeconomic categories. Children were divided into two main ethnic backgrounds, either Australian or Southern European. Fifteen per cent of children were overweight while a further 15% were obese. Only 2% were severely underweight. Children of Southern European background were more likely to be overweight or obese. It was found that obese children consumed less energy than those who had normal weight. Suggestions are made as to how the obesity problem in primary school children could be encountered.