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.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Study Questions Connection Between Obesity, Proximity to Fast Food

A study conducted by researchers from Indiana and Purdue Universities found that living in close proximity to fast food restaurants does not put a child a greater risk of obesity. The study's results sharply contradict previous research, which found that fast food posed a threat to children's health.

"Previous studies did not benefit from the wide range of information we acquired such a details of both sick and well doctor visits, changes in a childs address, annual food service establishment inspection data, aerial photographs of neighborhoods and crime statistics over time," reported a press release that was issued by the universities that were involved in the recent research effort.

Though proximity to fast food was ruled out as a negative effect by the Indiana-Purdue study, location was found to be an important factor in another area. Living close to parks or other recreational areas was found to have a positive effect on childhood obesity rates, as exercise has been identified as an important component in the effort to reduce obesity among young people.

Labels: research, causes of childhood obesity

Posted By: Aspen/CRC