Childhood Obesity - Do you have an overweight child? We offer tips to help your child lose weight and get fit!

The My Overweight Child blog will help you keep informed about the latest research, findings, and resources available to parents of overweight or obese kids. There are many knowledgeable people working on the increasingly dire problem of childhood obesity - and we want to give parents a place where they can check in regularly to see the latest studies and tips available to help you help your child lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

We invite you to add your comments - if you have feedback for the blog, would like some specific topics covered, or you just want to share your experience as a parent dealing with childhood obesity.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Children in Poor Areas More Likely to be Obese

A study of L.A. area communities has found that children are more likely to be obese if they live in an area with high poverty rates. The report was based on information provided by the California Department of Education for the 2004 - 05 school year.
"Among the communities with a student study group of 500 or more children, Maywood, which has a much higher poverty rate in the Los Angeles County, had the highest prevalence of childhood obesity, with 37 percent of children in that city considered obese, while Manhattan Beach, an affluent area, was found to have the lowest level of childhood obesity at 4 percent."
The availability of parks and of healthier food are keys in the fight against obesity, and poorer communities have little of either. The report recommended that planning committees incorporate health-related strategies in their decisions, improve access to and safety in recreation areas, and collaborate with schools to provide more opportunities for students to engage in physical activities.

Labels: influences, poverty, affluence

Posted By: Aspen Education Group