Empirical research shows that there is no social awareness nor do the known and widespread therapeutic and preventative measures of obesity bring about a significant change of the prevailing situation in a positive direction. From a medical point of view obesity and its consequences have been thoroughly researched and the relevant prevention and therapeutic measures are known. The purpose of this study was to approach, analyse and ultimately present obesity preventive measures in children and adolescents, as well as the state of progress of science today. The method adopted for the study was a review of the relevant literature. In the course of the study, it turns out that obesity is not a purely medical problem, but the causes are mainly due to social changes in behaviour, especially in terms of movement and diet. Prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity are closely interdependent. An important argument for prevention is that our health care system is never able to assist all obese patients. It is therefore extremely important for the public health system to develop primary prevention programs and strategies. Primary prevention should pay special attention to children and young people because the chance of overweight children becoming overweight adults is very high. It is important that the measures are adapted to the development of children and young people, and that they take into account their needs. It seems that prevention and treatment in this target group could be more successful than in adults, because children and young people are more receptive to interventions. Their nutritional and motor behaviour is not as well established as in adults. For this reason, they may be able to respond more easily to preventive measures that aim to change their behaviour in terms of nutrition and movement. Timely change in eating habits, regular exercise, and possibly medical and psychological counselling, prevent the slightly overweight from becoming obese. Particularly parents should be careful to provide for their children a wellbalanced diet and adequate motor activities. Prevention should begin as early as possible. This is especially true for children and young people who have an increased risk of obesity due to family predisposition.