childhood obesity

This map from the CDC shows decreases (light blue) and increases (gray) in obesity prevalence among low-income, preschool-aged children from 2008-2011.

Health & Safety

Falling Obesity Rates Among Preschoolers Mark Healthful Trend

7:47am August 08, 2013

by Allison Aubrey

Federal officials say obesity rates among low-income preschoolers are declining in 19 states and U.S. territories. Rates are flat in 20 more states. The findings are cause for optimism, the officials say.

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A promo image depicting a parent's perception of his child's weight.

Health & Safety

Your Child's Fat, Mine's Fine: Rose-Colored Glasses And The Obesity Epidemic

8:30pm March 04, 2013

by Shankar Vedantam

Despite current trends, most parents assume their own kids won't grow up to be overweight adults. That 'optimism bias' has neurological roots, brain scientists say.

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A new poll explores what happens in American households during the hours between school and bedtime.

Health & Safety

How 'Crunch Time' Between School And Sleep Shapes Kids' Health

11:30am February 27, 2013

A new poll explores how crucial everyday decisions are made in American households about food and exercise.

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Kathy Del Tonto (far right) participates in a class that teaches school cafeteria workers how to prepare meals from scratch.

One Lunch Lady's Cafeteria Conversion

6:02pm December 28, 2012

by Eric Whitney

"If it's not me, who's it going to be?" asks Colorado school cafeteria manager Kathy Del Tonto. After serving processed foods in her cafeterias for years, she realized that reducing childhood obesity can begin with her. She now has the lunch ladies making 95 percent of meals from scratch.

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