Russian doctors are concerned about the growing number of overweight children they're treating each year. The perception abroad may be that Russian people are slim and athletic, but weight issues have been on the rise since the fall of communism.

According to the latest World Health Organisation figures, more than 20% of the country's female and 10% percent of the country's male population are obese.

Overweight children are an even bigger concern. Junk food – burgers, pizzas, crisps and fries – are to blame, say health professionals

Specialists say people in the countryside aren’t so badly affected yet. But it’s a different story in the cities. Doctors are seeing the health of an increasing number of young Russian's suffer because of their size.

Obese children have a higher rate of threatening conditions such as hypertension, strokes, heart attacks, diabetes and so on. But younsters are not concerned with that. It seems too far in the future for them to be worried.

Unfortunately the traditional Russian diet is also causing problems. It’s often high in calories and sugar. 

Greater wealth and sedentary lifestyles are also increasing waistlines across the country. Many seek help at local clinics, where they are taught how to ward off diet-related health problems in the future.

Genetics plays a role, but over-indulging children is one of the major errors. Many will grow out of their weight problems. But for others, obesity will become a living nightmare.

At just three years old, Katusha has already become a statistic – she's one of the 18% of Russian children who is overweight.

She likes to play outdoors, but the youngster is not active enough to burn off her high-calory diet – burgers, cakes and chocolate.  She now weighs 22 kilograms. Her mother says diets just don't work.

“We went to a doctor and had a personal diet worked out, but it’s of no use, since she just refuses to eat things that do not taste good. Omelette, potatoes and candy, you know. These are her favourites,” Katusha’s mother says.

Katusha’s big sister has been teased because of her size – but the toddler may face the same treatment says her Mum.

“I am concerned, sure, but what can I do about it? Man is weak, and it’s very hard to say ‘no’ to a child,” she adds.

The government is worried too. It has introduced healthy eating programmes in schools – where junk food is banned.  Children are given fruits, vegetables, milk and greens every day.

But health experts are urging more change. They want restrictions on the advertising of fast foods and sweets. They are also calling for more health-promoting leisure facilites to be made easily accessible.

They say the health of the nation is at risk.