A collection of studies recently published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that, in the fight against childhood obesity, the odds are not in our favor.

"A study of 200,000 television commercials aired on shows popular with the teen audience found that more than one quarter of them were for fast food, sweets, and beverages... If you're looking for an explanation for our 'childhood obesity epidemic,' the constant barrage of marketing in support of products that literally feed that epidemic might be a good place to start."

But parents have some ammunition of their own, especially because they can determine what foods are and are not allowed in the home. Choosing fruits and veggies for snacks, and limiting after-dinner snacks are just two ways that parents can fight back. Read more at CalorieLab.com.

Labels: advertising, media_influences, studies

Several recent studies have found that childhood obesity increases a person's risk for serious heart issues as an adult. It's estimated that heart disease could increase by as much as 16% once today's teenagers reach adulthood.

"According to an interview conducted by KATU News, 'We've simply never had a generation that's been this heavy from so early in life. The consequences of that are unprecedented and unknown,' said Dr. David Ludwig, director of an obesity program at Children's Hospital Boston. He says that the results of these two studies may be underestimating the future health issues that may result from the weight problems this generation is struggling with."

An estimated 1/3 of US children are overweight or obese, leading to an increase in the diagnosis of things like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Labels: heart_disease, research, studies

Teens whose mothers worked when their children were ages five to seven years old are more likely to be fat, according to a study from Bristol University in Great Britain.

If mothers work during their children's "mid-childhood" or ages five to seven years, their children have increased risk of obesity by age 16. The study found no similar link between mothers who worked when their children were under five or over seven and teenage obesity.

The authors of the study theorized that ages five to seven years are critical time in a child's life for learning healthy food choices.

A recent American study found a link between maternal employment and childhood obesity.

Labels: influences, studies, working_mothers

Vanderbilt University is conducting a study to determine how much energy kids really burn. A total of 200 children will participate in the study.

"The team says data from their study will result in a device that more accurately assesses calorie burning by kids in real life."

The study will take place on the Vanderbilt University campus, where kids will each spend a full day and night in a metabolic chamber. The chamber will measure their calories used during activities like using a treadmill or sitting at a desk and coloring.

Read more at Wave3.com.

Labels: metabolism, research, studies

A committee that was convened in 2005 to develop comprehensive recommendations for fighting childhood obesity released its recommendations today. The Expert Committee on the Assessment, Prevention and Treatment of Child and Adolescent Overweight and Obesity was originally convened by the American Medical Association.

"The committee began meeting in early 2005 to study scientific data on the assessment, prevention and treatment of overweight and obese children. The committee then created 22 recommendations for health care professionals..."

Recommendations include a yearly assessment of weight status in all children - including body mass index, regular assessment of dietary patterns, and levels of physical activity. Read more online.

Labels: health_care, research, studies