Please see these two articles from the Weight Watchers website that discuss the possible causal connection between inadequate sleep, whether insufficient in duration or quality, and weight gain.
http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=69971&sc=3053
http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=58391&sc=3405
Laboratory research, much of which was done at University of Chicago, points to the explanation for this. When your sleep is disrupted or restricted, then your metabolic rate is slowed, your appetite hormones are not functioning properly(making you hungrier) and your ability to regulate your glucose and insulin is impaired, not to mention that you just have no energy to exercise or take the time to prepare nutritious food. So any sleep disorder that affects the quality or quantity of your sleep, especially insomnia and sleep apnea, can lead to weight gain and obesity.
here in Philippines, obesity is also becoming a problem. More and more children are getting obese due to a lifestyle that is not fully of physical activities. most kids just wants to watch TV, play computer games and surf the net.