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Childhood obesity has become a national epidemic in the U.S., which shows no signs of abating. Childhood obesity has tripled since 1980, with one-third of all children in the U.S. now considered overweight or obese. [read more about Childhood Obesity]
Experts believe that there is no single cause for this disturbing statistic but instead attribute the rise in childhood obesity to a number of factors. Poor diet, lack of physical activity, too much time spent before the television or on the computer, the increased availability of sugary and high-fat snacks and school lunches, the prevalence of fast-food marketing directed to children and the lack of access to affordable healthy food are just some of the factors that have been linked to higher rates of childhood obesity. Childhood obesity, in turn, has been linked to numerous health problems and diseases, increased health care costs and the significantly higher likelihood that overweight children will become overweight or obese as adults.
The U.S. government has recently taken a higher profile in the fight against childhood obesity with the launch of the First Lady's "Let's Move" initiative (www.letsmove.gov) and a new report by the U.S. Surgeon General, The Surgeon General's Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation. While promoting greater visibility and awareness of the problem is an important step in changing the way we think about food and what feed our children, we must take a more active role in helping our children make positive lifestyle choices with proper diet and exercise in order to develop and instill life-long healthy eating and exercise habits. You can read more about the problem of childhood obesity and the latest news, research and information about solving this problem here.
Childhood Obesity Articles
NIH-funded studies aim to prevent, treat childhood obesity
Submitted by Lynn Paul on September 9, 2010 - 1:12pm.
First Lady Asks Congress to Join Childhood Obesity Fight
Submitted by Lynn Paul on September 9, 2010 - 1:10pm.
Study: Lack of sleep for babies and toddlers may increase obesity risk
Submitted by Lynn Paul on September 7, 2010 - 11:26am.
Babies fed french fries and cake: study
Submitted by Lynn Paul on September 7, 2010 - 11:12am.
Sleep-Deprived Teens Eat More Fat, Study Finds
Submitted by Lynn Paul on September 1, 2010 - 10:55am.
Federal school lunch program linked to childhood obesity in Birmingham
Submitted by Lynn Paul on August 26, 2010 - 12:53pm.
The Medical Minute: Parents and schools can team up to beat obesity
Submitted by Lynn Paul on August 25, 2010 - 12:43pm.
Obesity prevention begins before birth
Submitted by Lynn Paul on August 24, 2010 - 12:48pm.
Obesity rates higher among minority girls
Submitted by Lynn Paul on August 23, 2010 - 12:13pm.
Overweight American children and adolescents becoming fatter
Submitted by Lynn Paul on August 18, 2010 - 10:43am.
Some Minority Groups Hit Hard by Childhood Obesity
Submitted by Lynn Paul on August 17, 2010 - 11:37am.
Obese children at risk for diabetes may have weaker bones
Submitted by Lynn Paul on August 17, 2010 - 11:10am.
Progress against childhood obesity reported; minorities lag
Submitted by Lynn Paul on August 17, 2010 - 11:04am.
Obesity warning as playgrounds are mothballed
Submitted by Lynn Paul on August 11, 2010 - 12:21pm.
Solving the world's hunger and obesity crises together
Submitted by Lynn Paul on August 10, 2010 - 10:56am.