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.

Sunday, March 08, 2009

School Programs Aren't Enough to Curb Childhood Obesity

A study by Dr. Maureen Dobbins of McMaster University in Canada found that physical education programs in schools can help combat obesity, but they aren't enough.
"Obesity among children aged 6 to 11 has more than doubled in 20 years, going from 6.5 percent in 1980 to 17 percent in 2006, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The rate among adolescents aged 12 to 19 has more than tripled."
While Dr. Dobbins acknowledges that physical activity during the school day is important, she has also found that it doesn't compel kids to be more active outside of school. Parents need to step in, set an example of a healthy lifestyle, and encourage the same in their kids, she said. Source: Reuters

Labels: schools, activity, physical_education

Posted By: Aspen Education Group