Australian researchers have found that generation X in that country is fatter than its baby boomer predecessors, who until now had the highest level of obesity of any age group.

Defective taste buds prompt obese children to gorge on larger portions of food, which actually blunts their ability to distinguish the five tastes of bitter, sweet, salty, sour and savoury.

Talking about foundation of lifestyle behaviours being established as early as pre-school, a study found that nearly half of obese children ate dinner in front of the TV more than three times a week.

As Americans debate what is most to blame for the nation's obesity epidemic, researchers say they have the strongest evidence yet that sugary drinks play a leading role and that eliminating them would, more than any other single step, make a huge difference.

Obese people can be just as healthy and fit as their slimmer counterparts, with no greater risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease or cancer, says the largest study so far on the subject.

Fat can reduce activity in several brain areas responsible for processing taste, aroma and reward, says the first ever study on the subject.

Loss of sleep impairs brain regions where food choices are made, possibly helping explain the linkage between sleep loss and obesity.

A diet pill aimed at curbing fat people's appetites could soon be a reality, Daily Mail reported.

About one-fifth of youngsters in China's Shanghai city are overweight and their numbers are on the rise, say health experts.

Babies born by caesarean section are more likely to become obese children than those delivered naturally, according to a media report.