Objective: This article aims to review the previously published literature on the social and environmental factors which influence children (aged 3–5 years) to be obese/overweight and the accuracy of parental perceptions. Obesity levels are on the increase in today’s society and habits are being passed from parents to children, with family lifestyle choices often influencing this health condition. Childhood obesity has many consequences; therefore it is vital that action is taken to stop this epidemic spreading further.

Design: A variety of databases and websites were used to search for relevant and up-to-date research studies and information on the subject of childhood obesity.

Setting: There appears to be a dearth of research focusing on nursery and primary one-aged children, especially within the United Kingdom (UK). Therefore the literature focuses on this group within the population.

Method: Several studies on childhood obesity were identified and critically analysed in the following areas: childhood obesity and environment, childhood obesity and socioeconomic status.

Results: It became obvious from the identified studies that there is no clear solution to solving the issue of obesity in young children.

Conclusion: It appears that targeting several factors within their lives is the only way to begin to see a change in children’s lifestyles which will hopefully be passed onto future generations.