[Kakfitz]

A new study just came out for the first time that tracks childhood obesity y state. This was done by The Trust for America's help.The study is called F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2007Some of the major factors include poverty and lack of excercise. (no brainer)1. What are your thoughts around childhood obesity?2. What do you think is the key to prevent it?3. As parents, how can we play a role in that not just for our own kids, but their friends as well?

[Andrea R]

that is a really good question! I really think that the key is parents educating their kids on what is good and bad for them out in the world....and taking the time to be role models for them. I think that the healthy kids out there are the ones who see their parents eating right and exercising and doing all of the good things. Parents need to get their kids moving and doing other activities besides playing on the computer or watching tv all day after school. And I also think doing this will give them better childhoods anyway (more fun memories).

[diane33michigan]

I think obesity is a problem not just in children but a lot of adults as well. I think many adults havent learned proper diet and excersice so how can they teach their kids.Preventing it- well it could be lowering prices on healthy food versues junk food- a poverty family can afford more kinds of junk food to feed a family than they can feed on healthy. Also having more free activities for kids to get involved with- I mean kids would play more sports before but parents cant afford today alot of the prices for these things now days. Having more for them to do in the community would be nice.I think by helping our kids help other people instead of calling them names- like a heavy child being called fat could be more helped by our children asking if they need a walking partner. We need to as parents ask what is it that we can do for the community, like starting weight camps and teaching children about healthy eating tips, not just a prymid that they dont understand and having the time to give knowledge to others to help them be able to help themselves.

[kris55a]

when you see a fat child you are actually seeing a fat adult.it's a shame to see parents over feeding their kids. allowing them to be baby sat by a television set.YOU ARE THE PARENT MAKE THEM GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY!!!!so, parents out there, if you want your child to grow up fat and miserable just keep on feeding your kids endless amounts of chips, Twinkies, ice cream etc. and see what a good job you did when they are grown!!!!!STOP BUYING TWINKIES AND FEEDING THEM JUNK FOOD ALL DAY...just because a child wants something does not mean a parent has to give in to those wants. saying no will not kill a kid, giving in to the wants can

[parry986]

Certainly the cause of obesity is wrong eating habits. Kids need to be taught what is good for their health right in their childhood days. Even parents should take care that the kids are given healthy and proper diet. Junk food should be avoided

[GroYoFro]

it's terribly sad and a lot of it has to do with education. A child is far to young to know how to properly take care of him/herself, so the responsibility rests on the adult's shoulders. We need to implement more responsibility in the classrooms that our children are in and feed them better food while in the cafeteria.

[acidrelief]

Part of it is definitely diet but I would focus on lifestyle as well. Kids are home, inside, in the AC all the time. As a kid we weren't allowed to stay inside and play video games all day and in the summer the AC was only on at night or when it was super hot (90+) so it was often nicer outside than in the house. I can't count how many laps of my block I made first on a big wheel, then a green machine, and finally a bicycle.

[tizalee]

improve the diet and exercise habits of your entire family.
Discourage eating meals or snacks while watching TV.
Do after-dinner walk or dancing to fast music in the living room.