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.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Study: Family Dog Can Improve Kids' Health

A study conducted at a university in Victoria, Australia, found that a family dog may have health benefits for the children.
"'We found that young children who are aged around five to six years of age are 50 percent less likely to be overweight or obese if they own a dog, compared to those who don't own a dog,' [Dr. Jo] Salmon said... Dr. Salmon says the health benefits come even if the children do not walk the dog regularly."
The study concluded that children are simply more likely to expend energy if they have a family pet because they spend more time playing and less time in front of the television or computer screen. The results were the same regardless of a family's socioeconomic status. Source: ABC News - Australia

Labels: examples, activity, pets

Posted By: Aspen Education Group