Salon.com > Childhood obesity

Research: Childhood obesity is a product of environment

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:38:00 +0000

New evidence is confirming that the environment kids live in has a greater impact than factors such as genetics, insufficient physical activity or other elements in efforts to control child obesity. Three new studies, published in the April 8 Pediatrics, land on the import of the 'nurture' side of the equation and focus on specific circumstances in children's or teen's lives that potentially contribute to unhealthy bulk.

In three decades child and adolescent obesity has tripled in the U.S., and estimates from 2010 classify more than a third of children and teens as overweight or obese. Obesity puts these kids at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, and bone or joint problems. The variables responsible are thought to range from too little exercise to too many soft drinks. Now it seems that blaming Pepsi or too little PE might neglect the bigger picture.

Is childhood obesity on the decline?

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:12:00 +0000

After decades of soaring childhood obesity rates, news from a handful of U.S. cities is providing a glimmer of hope. According to a report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation flagged in the New York Times Tuesday, cities including New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia, as well as a number of towns around the nation, are reporting a decline in childhood obesity rates.

The dips are slight: Between 2006 and 2011, the obesity rate among schoolchildren fell by about 5 percent in New York City and Philadelphia. However, health professionals viewed the results optimistically: “It’s been nothing but bad news for 30 years, so the fact that we have any good news is a big story,” said Dr. Thomas Farley, the health commissioner in New York City.

The decline in childhood obesity in some parts of the country coincides with national campaigns in recent years to bring the issue to the fore. According to the Times: