Wake Up and Smell the Food Addiction

In the Food Line

“Is food addiction real?” This question is posed by Jennifer LaRue Huget in The Washington Post, and it is a question relevant to numerous other journalists, health professionals, educators, bureaucrats, researchers, parents across the nation, and, yes, the world. It’s also an important question to an ever-growing population of children who are experiencing obesity and […]

Big Bottoms, Wide Loads, and Childhood Obesity

Wide Load

The Council on Size & Weight Discrimination (CSWD) has issued a statement of its position on obesity, discrimination, prejudice, equality, business best practices, false advertising, economic exploitation, negative publicity, and other aspects of the airline seating controversy. The CSWD also suggests several varieties of consumer and citizen activism for those who feel that the airlines […]

Summertime and Childhood Obesity

Chinese Buddha

As we head into autumn, let’s take a moment for summertime nostalgia, and for reflection on a problem that can increasingly be called worldwide. For instance, whatever else we may or may not have in common with China, both countries unquestionably face an increasing childhood obesity problem. In a China Daily story by Yang Yijun […]

Morbid Obesity in Children and Teens

morbid

The root word of “morbid” means “death” in Latin, and morbid obesity interferes with the basic functions of life, like breathing or walking. Morbid obesity is generally defined as being 100 lbs. over the ideal weight, or twice as much as ideal weight, or having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 35 or […]

Denial Among Parents of Overweight Children

Full-figured man

by Meredee Lloyd A recent poll conducted in Minnesota found that most adults there are in denial about their true weight status. They also tend to overlook overweight and obesity in their own children. In fact, some parents in this poll were concerned about their kids being underweight when in actuality they were within the […]

Moms and Childhood Obesity

Kids in Peril

Happy Mother’s Day! If you’re a Mom, we hope your special holiday is a terrific one this year and every year! We know what you want more than anything — for your kids to be healthy and happy. So here’s our Mother’s Day gift to you: the knowledge that it’s within your power to help […]