Banning fast-food TV ads could dent obesity

A little less “I’m Lovin’ It” could put a significant dent in the problem of childhood obesity, suggests a new study that attempts to measure the effect of TV fast-food ads. A ban on such commercials would reduce the number of obese young children by 18 percent, and the number of obese older kids by 14 percent, researchers found. They also suggested that ending an advertising... Read more

Obese kids have prematurely aged neck arteries

The neck arteries of obese children and teens look more like those of 45-year-olds, according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s annual meeting. “There’s a saying that ‘you’re as old as your arteries,’ meaning that the state of your arteries is more important than your actual age in the evolution of heart disease and stroke,” Dr. Geetha... Read more

High-Fat Diet While Pregnant May Produce Obese Kids

Eating a high-fat diet during pregnancy causes permanent changes in the fetal brain that can result in overeating and obesity early in life, according to a study with rats. The researchers from Rockefeller University in New York City said their finding is an important advance in understanding mechanisms of fetal programming. It also sheds light on the production of new brain cells, helping to explain... Read more

Obese Kids Have Old Arteries

Kids these days are 13 going on 45, at least when it comes to their arteries. According to research presented Tuesday at the American Heart Association’s annual scientific sessions in New Orleans, obese adolescents had arteries more representative of someone three decades older. “These data further illustrate the potential detrimental effects of obesity and its related risk factors, particularly... Read more

Obesity and Your Child

If your child is at an unhealthy, or even dangerous weight, and weight-loss efforts at home aren’t successful, you may want to try a professional weight-loss program. The Cleveland Clinic offers the following recommendations when choosing a child’s weight-loss program: The program should employ an array of health professionals, including physicians, dietitians, psychiatrists and exercise... Read more

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