Introduction: Obesity is a consequence of abnormal lifestyle and poor nutrition. The aim of this paper was to show the relation between the way of nutrition and physical activity, and the increased body weight among young women.

Material and methods: The survey was conducted between June and October 2014 among 176 women from all parts of Poland, at the age between 16 and 25 years. The survey was conducted on the basis of a survey questionnaire consisting of questions that covered the dietary preferences, the frequency of eating particular dietary products, and physical activity. Women were divided into two age groups, and the results that were drawn from both groups were compared.

Results: Every third interviewee did not eat breakfast every day, every fifth ate her last meal too late. Women were characterised by low physical activity. The majority of them spent their free time passively, and only a small percentage of interviewees performed certain physical exercises. A large group of respondents ate highly calorific desserts. On the other hand, desserts based on fruit were eaten only by one third of the researched group. The scant amount of fruit and vegetables that should be eaten was also proven. Seventy percent of the interviewees did make certain ineffective dieting attempts.

Conclusions: In the interviewed group of young, obese women we noted a range of abnormalities connected with the way of nutrition and the quality of eating products. It was seen that physical activity reduced along with increasing age. Every second respondent, in spite of their young age, complained about chronic ailments that may appear as a result of obesity. That is why it was concluded that the cause of obesity was inappropriate diet and lifestyle.