[INTRODUCTION - The prevalence of overweightness and obesity among children is increasing in Hungary, while the inadequate or excessive intake of some nutrients is also representative. Keeping these inappropriate lifestyle habits in adulthood could significantly worsen the health status of the rising generation. METHOD - The sample is representative for the 4-10 year old children of Budapest and Kecskemét city. The dietary assessment was executed, using the internationally accepted 3 day dietary record method. Body mass index was also calculated from the measured body weight and height, creating BMI categories according to the Cole methodology. RESULTS - The ratio of overweightness and obesity resulted in 21% (19% for the 4-6 year old, 24% for the 7-10 year old), while 13% of them belonged to the underweight category. The nutritional problems, identified by adults, like the excessive fat intake, its inappropriate composition, the high sodium-, low calcium- and vitamin D intake already appears in the early stages of life. CONCLUSION - The results prove, that the education for healthy nutrition among children is in high priority, in which all stakeholders, like the parents, the governmental and non-governmental organisations, the educational institutes as well as the food industry plays an important role. ]
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