Extension Programs Focus on the Increasing Rate of Childhood Obesity

Auburn, July 28, 2004---The end of the summer means the beginning of a new school year. Students are busy buying new clothes and school supplies while teachers and administrators are ready for the year to begin.

A growing subject within Alabama schools is the rising rate of childhood obesity and Type II diabetes in young children, most of whom are obese.

Jean Weese, Extension food science specialist, recently did a study on childhood obesity, which included 400 fourth- and fifth-graders in Bullock, Macon and Wilcox counties. The study revealed the concentration of obesity in the Black Belt region of Alabama and one-third of Black Belt children either are or are in danger of becoming overweight.

But times are changing.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at July 30, 2004 09:41 AM