Ask an Expert

September 2006

Childhood Obesity

Darla Castelli

Parents and health professionals are concerned over the increasing number of preschool children who are obese, a number that has doubled in the past 30 years. In this Ask an Expert discussion, learn more about ways that parents and teachers can help. Read the answers to questions such as, “What role do genetics play in obesity in young children?” “Do TV watching and video game playing play a role in the current obesity epidemic?” Are there known health risks to children if they are obese at ages 4 or 5?” “Can we encourage healthy habits without adding to this anxiety or to the social stigma of obesity?”

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