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.

Saturday, January 03, 2009

Zoo Elephants Have Short Lives Because They Are Fat and Inactive

Zoo elephants are too fat, and that may shorten their lives by 40 years, according to a study published in the journal Science.

Dr. Georgia Mason, the senior study author, after examining data on 4,500 elephants over a 45-year period, speculated that stress from living in a confined space as well as lack of exercise leads to the vast majority of zoo elephants becoming overweight. They develop heart disease, cancer, and diabetes the same way that overweight humans do.

Zoo officials took issue with the study because it used data that went back to the 1950s, noting that today's zookeepers provide more space and better nutrition for captive elephants.

Labels: inactivity, lazy

Posted By: Aspen Education Group