Childhood Obesity

Early Puberty in Girls at an All-Time High

Early Puberty in Girls at an All-Time High Kids these days are growing up too fast – literally. A recent study shows that a significant number of girls are beginning to develop breasts and hit puberty by age 7 or 8, around second grade. Often referred to as precocious puberty, this trend could have long-term negative effects on a girl's overall health. The average age at which U.S. girls usually begin puberty is 10 or 11. read more

Eleven-Year-Old Is Too Heavy

Get advice on how to help an 11-year-old control her weight. read more

Goodnight, Sleepy Head: The Link Between Sleep and Childhood Obesity

Goodnight, Sleepy Head: The Link Between Sleep and Childhood Obesity Everyone knows how great it feels to get a good night's sleep. You wake up feeling refreshed and alert. You're concentration and focus is better. Overall, you just feel good. The health benefits are hard to ignore, too. Over the years, researchers have found that adequate sleep can help improve immune function, memory, and learning. And now, there is one more reason to get some good shut eye. read more

How Did Kids Get So Out of Shape?

How Did Kids Get So Out of Shape? Just how out of shape are they? One study comparing national fitness test scores of 6- to 14-year-olds from 1980 to 1994 found today's children have significantly less endurance than their counterparts 15 years ago. For example, the number of boys ages 10 to 14 who can't perform a single push-up has risen 64 percent. read more

How to Get Your Kids Moving Again

How to Get Your Kids Moving Again How your child spends his out-of-school hours has a direct impact on his fitness. One way you can encourage him is to set a good example. If you can find physical activities to do together, your child might be more motivated. Here are some specific steps you can take: read more

Michelle Obama Tackles a National Crisis - Childhood Obesity

Michelle Obama Tackles a National Crisis - Childhood Obesity According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of overweight and obese children in the U.S. has tripled in the past 30 years. The statistics are alarming and disturbing, since childhood obesity sets the stage for a host of potential health problems, including cardiovascular problems, joint problems, and an increased likelihood of being obese as an adult. read more

Obese Child

A mother seeks some guidelines for helping her obese nine-year-old lose weight. read more

Obesity Among Children

Obesity Among Children Obesity EpidemicIt's not "cool" to be fat, but that has not prevented an obesityepidemic from occurring among America's youth. Childhood obesity increased from 5 percent in 1964 to about 13 percent in 1994. Today, it is about 20 percent – and rising. read more

Overweight Daughter

What can a mother do to help her daughter eat right and get some exercise? read more

Overweight Kids and Discrimination

Overweight Kids and Discrimination There's a lot of talk these days about the "obesity epidemic" in the U.S., and with good reason. The overall rate of obesity has doubled in the past 20 years, and it has tripled in teens. Twenty percent of kids are overweight, and statistics show that most will become overweight adults. Better nutrition and exercise are certainly part of the formula for reversing this trend. read more

Overweight Seven-Year-Old

The mother of an overweight girl questions how to handle parties and holidays, when there is so much high calorie food around. read more

Strength Training for Kids

Strength Training for Kids Another way to work out with your child is to take her with you to the gym. Some YMCAs and health clubs now offer special equipment and classes just for kids. The demand for children's fitness programs has even led to a health club in Chicago that is exclusively for kids. It plans to open franchises in other cities. read more

Twelve-Year-Old Is Gaining Weight

It's normal for adolescent girls to become a bit chubby as they go through puberty. Find out why you should be careful not to overreact. read more

Weight and Diabetes in Kids

Weight and Diabetes in Kids A study completed in 2004 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than 12.5 million (17.1%) of children ages 2-19 in the United States were overweight. From 1999 to 2004, overweight and obesity had increased almost 33% in children and teens in the U.S. Specifically, the prevalence of being overweight increased from 5% to 13.9% in children ages 2-5, from 6.5% to 18.8% in children ages 6-11, and from 5% to 17.4% in children ages 12-19. read more