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, March 22, 2010

Middle-School Students Who Buy Lunch at School More Likely to be Obese

Another study has linked school meals with obesity among U.S. youth. According to researchers with the University of Michigan, middle school students who buy their lunch at school are more likely to be obese and to have higher levels of bad cholesterol.
  • Dr. E. Elizabeth Jackson and her colleagues studied 1,300 sixth graders, asking them to report what they had eaten in one day.
  • Among those who bought lunch at their school's cafeteria, 39 percent were obese -- compared to 24 percent of the children who bought their lunches from home.
  • The children who bought lunch at school were more likely to consume sugared drinks and to eat fewer vegetables and fruits.
"Although this study does not address information on the nutrient content of school lunches," said Dr. Jackson, "it suggests there is a real opportunity to promote healthy behaviors and eating habits within the school environment."

The study was presented at the American College of Cardiology 59th Annual Scientific Sessions.

Labels: cafeterias, middle school

Posted By: Aspen/CRC