Editorial: Battling the bulge

Monday, Jan. 1, 2007 | 7 a.m.

Federal research shows that American children are continuing to gain weight, which puts them at a high risk of contracting heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other ailments as adults.

The Institute of Medicine, which is part of the National Academies, reports that about 25 million - or a third - of America's children and teenagers are either overweight or are teetering on the edge of becoming so. Each day, many children are eating 110 to 165 calories more than they are burning off with exercise. That could translate into a weight gain of one pound per month, or 12 pounds per year.

One of the institute's lead researchers on the topic recently told USA Today that childhood obesity is one of the "most critical public health issues" of the 21st century, and that it will worsen without dramatic efforts to halt it.

This is a health problem that is going to demand a coordinated societal effort, rather than a strictly clinical approach, such as pills or, in severe cases, surgery. The institute is calling for a commitment from families, communities, private industry and government to support - and adequately fund - effective obesity prevention programs for children. Such programs should be routinely evaluated, and good programs should be shared with other communities.

But the government isn't going to reverse this trend. Americans must do this for themselves. As individuals, we need to eat less and exercise more. As parents, we need to set good examples for our children and help them make good choices. As employers, we need to be innovative in exploring programs that help workers live healthier lifestyles. The best way to combat obesity is to avoid gaining the weight in the first place.

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