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, February 06, 2009

Quality of Food Sold in Neighborhoods Linked to Residents' Weight Levels

Researchers from the University of Minnesota have discovered that the type of food that is available in your neighborhood influences how much you weigh.

Dr. June Chen analyzed 54 studies of neighborhoods and their food outlets, such as fast food restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores. She found that residents of neighborhoods with many supermarkets and few convenience stores were at less risk for being overweight. Low-income areas were more likely to have few supermarkets and many fast food restaurants, and residents there were more likely to be overweight.

This study appeared in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Labels: fast food, neighborhoods, influences

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

Saturday, May 05, 2007

Playground Lockdown may Contribute to Childhood Obesity

School playgrounds and athletic fields could help reduce childhood obesity by giving children near-by places to run and play. However, recent studies have shown that many of these places are closed and locked on weekends.
"Girls who lived near locked schools tended to be heavier, and neighborhoods with locked schools were disproportionately poor and had larger minority populations', lead author Molly M. Scott, a RAND research analyst, said in a prepared statement."
Where public playgrounds and parks are lacking or unavailable, school playgrounds can offer children accessible, safe recreation areas... if they're unlocked. Read more at BabyCenter.com.

Labels: exercise, neighborhoods, playgrounds

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments