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.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Nurses' Association Supports First Lady's Anti-Obesity Efforts

In a Feb. 10 statement, the American Nurses Association (ANA) expressed its support of First Lady Michelle Obamas campaign against childhood obesity:
As the largest nursing organization in the U.S., ANA stands ready to assist the First Lady to address this significant health problem through her program, Let's Move America's Move for a Healthier Generation.

"Nurses see first hand the devastating effects of obesity," said ANA President Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR. "Obesity can increase the risk of stroke, diabetes, heart disease and hypertension as well as many other illnesses. ... ANA recognizes the effects of obesity and pledges its ongoing support of programs that serve to address the issue."
The only full-service professional organization representing the interests of the nation's 2.9 million registered nurses, the ANA describes its mission as "fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the rights of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public."

Labels: government, prevention, awareness, campaign

Posted By: Aspen/CRC 0 Comments

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Weight Loss Camps Offer Range of Benefits to Overweight Youth

Overweight and obese children can benefit from summer weight loss camps, according to a new study in the journal Pediatrics.

Dr. Nadim Kanafani of St. Louis University studied children ages 10 to 18 years old in a weight loss camp that offered three balanced meals and two snacks, physical activities, and classes in nutrition and self-esteem. The campers lost an average of eight pounds.

Dr. Kanafani noted that the camp could provide a nurturing environment where children can interact with others with similar issues and thereby help each other in a treatment model similar to the one that works for drug addiction. The children felt more comfortable working out physically with other overweight children.
 

Labels: campaign, summer_camp

Posted By: Jane St. Clair 1 Comment