Childhood Obesity

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News digest

This frequently updated news digest on the subject of Childhood Obesity highlights key articles from major journals and news publications. The digest is a free service of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, by The Advisory Board Company. © 2009 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved. Sign up to receive the digest free via e-mail.

Jul 2, 2009 Seals at Massachusetts Aquarium Inspire Children to be Active
A new exhibit at the New England Aquarium in Boston features five northern fur seals that are inspiring children to be physically active, the Associated Press reports.
Jul 2, 2009 Atlanta Children's Hospital Launches Web Site to Promote Healthy Habits
The nonprofit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta has launched a new Web site designed to teach parents and their children how to develop healthy lifestyle habits, Healthcare IT News reports.
Jul 1, 2009 Report Finds Obesity Epidemic Increases, Mississippi Again Weighs in as Heaviest State

A report from the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) found that adult obesity rates increased in 23 states and did not decrease in any state in the past year, the Associated Press reports.
Jul 1, 2009 Overweight Mothers Less Likely to Accurately Identify Child's Weight

A study published in the journal Pediatrics suggests that overweight mothers often have difficulty accurately recognizing when their children are overweight or obese, Reuters reports.
Jun 30, 2009 Federal Program to Receive More Funding to Increase Schools' Access to Fresh Produce

The federal government has pledged its support for two measures seeking to improve the nutritional content of foods sold in schools, the Packer reports.
Jun 30, 2009 Policy-Makers Eye Kentucky as Potential Model for Federal Child Nutrition Reform

Efforts in Kentucky to eliminate junk food sales in schools are being touted as a model for federal child nutrition reform, the Washington Post reports.
Jun 29, 2009 Nashville Food Deserts Benefit From New Farmers' Markets

Four Nashville neighborhoods that had previously been identified as food deserts are benefiting from new farmers markets established through the Veggie Project, the Examiner reports.
Jun 29, 2009 Sesame Workshop, to Study Effectiveness of Healthy Habits Program

The Sesame Workshop will study the efficacy of its Healthy Habits for Life initiative, which aims to help day care providers integrate lessons on healthy eating and exercise habits for children ages 3 to 5, the Packer reports.
Jun 26, 2009 Report Suggests Video Games May Yield Improvements in Child Health
Although video games have been criticized for fostering a sedentary lifestyle and contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic, a new report suggests that the technology may improve children's health and learning, Reuters reports.
Jun 25, 2009 Florida Coalition Presents Plan to Address Childhood Obesity
The Healthy Jacksonville Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition in Florida has issued a set of proposals aimed at lowering obesity rates, which had risen to 30 percent and 28 percent among area middle school and high school students, respectively, in 2006, the Florida Times-Union reports.
Jun 25, 2009 Michigan Medical Students Educating Children on Healthy Habits

A Michigan State University (MSU) program is helping local elementary school students to cultivate healthy lifestyle habits, the Jackson Citizen Patriot reports.
Jun 24, 2009 AAP Highlights Need for More Play Spaces
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a statement calling for enhanced neighborhood access to physical activity opportunities for children, the Delmarva Media Group reports.
Jun 24, 2009 Study Suggests Adolescents Frequently Underestimate Body Weight
A study published in BMC Public Health suggests that overweight adolescents frequently underestimate their weight status, Reuters reports.
Jun 23, 2009 Health Experts Call for a Presidential Commission to Address Obesity
A coalition of health experts has penned a letter to President Barack Obama asking him to create the Presidential Commission on Healthy Weights, Healthy Lives to address the nation's obesity epidemic, United Press International reports.
Jun 23, 2009 Study Finds Many U.S. Children Have Limited or No Access to Playgrounds
A new report from KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring and establishing outdoor play spaces for children, suggests that more than half of children do not have access to such spaces in their neighborhoods, United Press International reports.
Jun 22, 2009 Schools Falling Short in Physical Education
Despite the nation's burgeoning childhood obesity epidemic, few school districts provide the recommended level of daily physical activity for students, the Associated Press reports.
Jun 22, 2009 Researchers Develop Text Message System to Encourage Physical Activity Among Teens
Researchers at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles have devised a system that monitors the physical activity levels of teens and can send cell phone text messages to encourage them to be more active, the Northwest Herald reports.
Jun 19, 2009 Louisiana University Receives Funding for Childhood Obesity Screening Program
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Cecil J. Picard Center for Child Development and Lifelong Learning has received $400,000 to expand an effort aimed at reducing the state's rising childhood obesity rate, the Baton Rouge Advocate reports.
Jun 19, 2009 Grocery, Theater Group Partner to Educate Children About Healthy Eating Habits
Maine-based Hannaford Supermarkets has partnered with FoodPlay Productions to bring the group's Emmy Award-winning theater show about healthy eating and exercise habits to approximately 40,000 students in the Northeast, the Saugus Advertiser reports.
Jun 18, 2009 New York City Officials Model Grocery Store Plan After Pennsylvania Program

New York City officials have announced plans for a program designed to attract full-service grocery stores to underserved areas of the city, the New York Times reports.
Jun 18, 2009 Three New Laws in Maine Aim to Curb State's Obesity Rate

Maine Gov. John E. Baldacci (D) has signed three bills aimed at curbing the state’s obesity rate, the Bangor Daily News reports.
Jun 17, 2009 Study Suggests Supermarket, Fast-Food Restaurant Location has Little Impact on Children's Weight

A new study suggests that children who live close to fast-food restaurants may not be any more likely to be overweight or obese than those who reside further away from such restaurants, the Los Angeles Times reports.

 
Jun 16, 2009 Indiana Launches Statewide Childhood Obesity Campaign

Indiana Colts quarterback Peyton Manning will act as spokesman for a new statewide school health and wellness initiative in Indiana, the Muncie Star Press reports.
Jun 16, 2009 Study Finds Improvement in Children's Eating Habits

A study by The NPD Group, a market research firm, finds that children who eat in restaurants are increasingly selecting healthier fare, the New York Times reports.
Jun 15, 2009 Obesity Experts Recommend BMI Screening During Physician Office Visits

Obesity experts presenting at the Fifth Biennial Childhood Obesity Conference issued new guidelines calling for physicians to measure children's body mass index (BMI) at every office visit, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Jun 12, 2009 Audit of New York Schools Reveals Persistent Sale of Junk Food to Students

A new report from the New York State Comptroller finds that the majority of New York City schools are continuing to sell junk food, which is in direct violation of city and state nutritional guidelines, the New York Times reports.
Jun 12, 2009 National Campaign to Promote Outdoor Play for Children

The U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council have launched a joint public service advertising (PSA) campaign aimed at encouraging children to interact in nature and engage in outdoor play, the Denver Post reports.
Jun 11, 2009 Obama Administration Endorses Efforts to Help Americans Lead Healthier Lives

President Obama's plans for overhauling the U.S. health care system are expected to include several initiatives aimed at reducing the burden of chronic diseases and improving the overall health of Americans, Politico reports.
Jun 11, 2009 Restaurant Industry Backs Menu-Labeling Legislation
Several U.S. chain restaurant corporations have agreed to support legislation that would establish uniform requirements for calorie and nutrition labeling on restaurant menu boards, Reuters reports.
Jun 10, 2009 Arizona City Launches Community-Based Program to Address Childhood Obesity
The Parks and Recreation Department in Chandler, Ariz., has launched a project designed to address childhood obesity by promoting physical activity and healthy eating, the Arizona Republic reports.
Jun 9, 2009 Study Taps iPhones to Encourage Healthy Eating Among Youths
Ithaca, N.Y.-based Cornell University has launched a program designed to evaluate how handheld technology can be used to improve children's food choices, the Syracuse Post-Standard reports.
Jun 9, 2009 Pennsylvania Legislators Propose Measure to Reform School Nutrition
Pennsylvania state Reps. Mike Gerber (D-Montgomery) and Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny County) have introduced legislation that would establish stringent nutritional guidelines for the foods and beverages sold in the state's public schools, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Jun 8, 2009 California Assembly Approves Nutrition Standards for Childcare Facilities
The California State Assembly has approved a measure that would establish minimum nutrition standards for foods served in licensed child-care facilities, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Jun 8, 2009 BMI Registries Recommended as Tool to Track, Address Obesity
Public health professionals are increasingly touting registries of physician-reported body mass indices (BMIs) as an effective tool for measuring and addressing childhood obesity, AMNews reports.
Jun 5, 2009 USDA, Food Network Work Together on School Garden Initiative
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has teamed up with the Food Network and other groups to help lower-income schools and communities establish fruit and vegetable gardens, United Press International reports.
Jun 5, 2009 Study Suggests Improving Mothers' Nutrition May Reduce Childhood Overweight
A study conducted by physicians at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, suggests that efforts to improve mothers' eating habits may also improve the nutrition of their children and help reduce the risk of childhood overweight and obesity, Bartlesville Live reports.
Jun 4, 2009 Report Suggests Recession May Fuel Rise in Childhood Obesity

A new report from the Foundation for Child Development (FCD) suggests that the current economic climate may negatively impact on children's health and wellness, including an increase in childhood overweight and obesity, CBS News reports.

 
Jun 3, 2009 Illinois Approves Spending for Fresh Food Fund
The Illinois General Assembly has approved $10 million in funding for the Illinois Fresh Food Fund, which seeks to stimulate supermarket development in underserved areas of the state, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Jun 2, 2009 Florida Students Participate in 12-Week Marathon Challenge
Approximately 650 students in Jacksonville, Fla., have completed the Shannon Miller Kids Marathon, a 12-week program that promotes physical fitness and healthy lifestyle choices, First Coast News reports.
Jun 1, 2009 Louisiana House Approves Bill Mandating Daily Physical Activity at Schools

The Louisiana House of Representatives has approved a measure that would require students in kindergarten through eighth grade to participate in at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity, the Monroe News-Star reports.
Jun 1, 2009 Study Suggests Frequent Self Weigh-Ins Help Teens Control Weight

A study appearing in the May issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health suggests that regular self weigh-ins can help teenagers maintain a healthy weight, Reuters reports.
May 29, 2009 Annual Summer Fitness Challenge Gets Kids Moving

Snohomish County, Wash., is planning to launch its sixth annual Get Movin' summer challenge, which encourages participants to be physically active throughout the summer, the Everett Herald reports.
May 29, 2009 Burger King Unveils Healthier Children's Meal Offerings

Fast-food chain Burger King has announced plans to expand its Kids Meal menu to include three new healthy meals, United Press International reports.
May 28, 2009 Study Finds Strict Maternal Feeding Practices May Not Influence Child Weight Gain

A study published in the June issue of the journal Obesity suggests that strict maternal feeding practices do not have as much influence over child weight gain as previously believed, the Los Angeles Times reports.
May 28, 2009 Obesity Prevention Program Yields Success for North Carolina County

Watauga County Childhood Obesity Prevention Partnership in Watauga County, N.C., is preparing to complete a yearlong effort aimed at reducing obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles among county residents, the Watauga Democrat reports.
May 27, 2009 Pennsylvania to Fund Initiatives to Increase Physical Activity among Students

The Pennsylvania Departments of Health (PDH) and Education (PDE) have announced plans to help fund and implement more comprehensive physical education (P.E.) programs at schools in the state, NBC25 reports.
May 27, 2009 Schools Face Hurdles in Adopting Healthier Meals

Poor enforcement of nutritional standards and a proliferation of fast-food restaurants are making it increasingly difficult for school districts and state governments to improve the nutritional quality of school meals, Reuters reports.
May 26, 2009 California Schools to Teach Students Life-Long Fitness Habits

In response to the burgeoning childhood obesity epidemic, some schools in California are revamping their physical education (P.E.) curriculum to emphasize life-long fitness habits, the Deseret News reports.
May 22, 2009 Kaiser Permanente Sponsors Farmers Markets

California-based health care organization Kaiser Permanente is participating in a series of initiatives aimed at expanding the scope of farmers' markets and introducing the community to healthy food and proper nutrition, the Los Angeles Times reports.
May 21, 2009 New Mexico Senator Reintroduces Federal Obesity Prevention and Treatment Bill

New Mexico Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D) has reintroduced legislation aimed at reducing the nation’s obesity epidemic, the Associated Press reports.
May 20, 2009 Federal Lawmakers Introduce Menu Labeling Legislation

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) have introduced the Menu Education and Labeling (MEAL) Act, which would require fast-food restaurants to post the calorie content of menu items, along with other nutrition information, on menu boards, the Los Angeles Times reports.
May 20, 2009 Texas House Approves Physical Education Curriculum Standards

The Texas House has granted preliminary approval to a measure that would establish new physical education (P.E.) guidelines for schools and a curriculum that promotes life-long fitness habits, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
May 19, 2009 USDA Awards Arkansas Research Center Grant for Childhood Nutrition Research

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center (ACNC) a five-year, $31 million grant to support its continued research into how nutritional status and dietary factors influence human development and impact future obesity and disease risk, the Morning News of Northwest Arkansas reports.
May 18, 2009 Milwaukee-Area Schools Aim to Improve Nutrition of Student Lunches

The Milwaukee Public Schools system is making efforts to improve the nutritional quality of the meals it offers, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
May 18, 2009 Study Finds Link Between Adolescent Obesity, Stress

According to a study published online in the Journal of Adolescent Health, adolescents who report high stress levels have a greater likelihood of being overweight or obese, United Press International reports.
May 15, 2009 Michigan Adds Obesity Tracking Component to Immunization Database

Michigan has announced plans to expand its electronic childhood immunization registry to include obesity rates, Government Health IT reports.
May 15, 2009 New Jersey Groups Promote Outdoor Play

New Jersey after-school programs recently participated in Celebrate Afterschool! Outdoors in the Garden State, a weeklong-event designed to promote outdoor play as part of the national "No Child Left Inside" movement, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
May 15, 2009 Florida Schools Use Gardening Lessons to Teach Nutrition

Several Miami-area schools are participating in garden projects that teach students about proper nutrition and fresh, healthy foods in an effort to curb obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and other health problems, the Deseret News reports.
May 14, 2009 National Program Enlists Older Adults to Educate Children on Healthy Lifestyles
An intergenerational program that calls on older adult volunteers to help promote the benefits of sound nutrition and exercise among children will expand to eight cities over the next two years, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
May 14, 2009 Massachusetts Approves Nation's Toughest Menu Labeling Rules
The Massachusetts Public Health Council has approved a measure requiring restaurant chains to display the calorie counts of all items on menus, including drive-through menu boards, effectively creating the nation’s strictest statewide menu labeling rules, Reuters reports.
May 13, 2009 UNC Asheville Receives Grant for Childhood Obesity, Wellness Programs
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) Foundation, the philanthropic arm of health insurer Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, has awarded a three-year, $3 million grant to the University of North Carolina (UNC) Asheville for the facility’s North Carolina Center for Health and Wellness, the Asheville Citizen-Times reports.
May 13, 2009 Study Finds Overfed Infants at Increased Risk for Early Weight Gain
A study published in the May/June issue of the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior finds that mothers who fail to recognize their infants' signs of satiety tend to overfeed, resulting in excess weight gain when infants are between 6 and 12 months old, HealthDay News reports.
May 12, 2009 Results From BMI Screenings Prompt Tennessee School District to Improve P.E. Curriculum
Recognizing that a significant percentage of school children in Shelby County, Tenn., are overweight, the district is trying to help schools improve opportunities for exercise, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
May 11, 2009 Study Singles Out Overeating as Primary Cause of U.S. Obesity Epidemic
Research presented last week at the European Congress on Obesity in Amsterdam faults an increase in overeating, rather than a decline in physical activity, for the current obesity epidemic in the United States, Reuters reports.
May 11, 2009 Study Suggests Link Between Childhood Obesity, Allergies
A study published in the May issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology finds that obese children are at an increased risk of food and other allergies compared to their healthy-weight peers, HealthDay News reports.
May 8, 2009 Study Finds Additional Physical Activity at School May Not Lead to Increases in Overall Activity
A study recently presented at the 2009 European Congress on Obesity in Amsterdam found that increasing the amount of physical activity children engage in during the school day may not do much to stem rising rates of childhood obesity, the Associated Press reports.
May 7, 2009 Legislators Introduce Childhood Obesity, Eating Disorder Prevention Measure
Reps. Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.) and Nita M. Lowey (D-N.Y.) have introduced legislation that seeks to improve the physical and emotional health of children, with a particular focus on addressing childhood obesity and eating disorders, CQ HealthBeat reports.
May 7, 2009 U.S. Schools Participate in Worldwide Exercise Day
Millions of students in all 50 states and at least 29 countries recently participated in the 20th annual Project All Children Exercise Simultaneously (ACES) day as part of a coordinated effort to stem increasing childhood obesity rates, the Associated Press reports.
May 6, 2009 Alabama Schools Receive USDA Funding to Provide Fresh Fruits, Vegetables
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded funding to 25 Alabama schools to support efforts to increase fresh fruit and vegetable consumption among students, the Florence Times Daily reports.
May 6, 2009 Disney Uses Popular Stars to Promote Nutritious Foods
In an effort to encourage children to eat more nutritious foods, Disney has licensed its stars’ likeness for placement on healthy food items, the Washington Post reports.
May 5, 2009 Ohio Launches Campaign to Encourage Children to Play Outdoors
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has launched Explore the Outdoors, a campaign designed to encourage children to play outside, be active and reconnect with nature, the Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune reports.

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