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.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Technology to Help Kids Stay Active, Lose Weight

Researchers from Keck School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, are studying how to use technology to fight childhood obesity.

Dr. Donna Spruijt-Metz is developing a program that entails having children wear wireless sensors to measure their physical activity. If the children are sedentary for a long time, they will receive a ping to remind them to be active.

A second program involves using CD-ROMs in schools to promote better health. Dr. Spruijt-Metz reported that this program was more effective for girls than boys.

"Technology gives us more objective and reliable measures than self reporting," she said. Dr. Spruijt-Metz presented her findings during the 5th Biennial Childhood Obesity Conference, which was held June 9 to 12 in Los Angeles.

Labels: childhood_obesity, prevention, technology

Posted By: Aspen/CRC