There has been a flood of activity in the pediatric literature about childhood obesity recently. The rate of overweight children continues to increase, and we are continuing to recognize the short-term and lifelong health impact of this. In the current issue of the journal Pediatrics, a study finds that children who eat meals regularly with their family, get adequate sleep, and limit their TV time to no more than two hours per day had a 40% reduction in obesity compared to kids who had none of these routines. I would also add avoiding high-fructose corn syrup to this list. High-fructose corn syrup is a cheap industrially manufactured (i.e., not natural) sweetener that is an indicator of highly-processed, low nutritional value foods. It is also extremely common and challenging to avoid, but it is worth looking for this on the ingredient list when you are shopping.
Other new resources for you:
www.healthychildren.org -- A new website from the American Academy of Pediatrics with information on multiple health topics, not just obesity.
www.letsmove.gov -- First Lady Michelle Obama is leading a new initiative to improve access to healthy food and exercise opportunities.
www.getkidzfit.org -- The Dallas Area Coalition to Prevent Childhood Obesity is sponsoring "Get Kidz Fit" on Saturday, April 24 at Fair Park in Dallas. This is a free festival to engage children and families in fun ways to exercise and eat well.