This article explores the growing problem of childhood obesity and suggests guidelines for professionals to recommend to parents. Research has shown that an overweight child at 3 years is nearly eight times as likely to become an overweight young adult as is a typically developing 3-year-old. More of America's children are becoming overweight, and…

Despite burgeoning interests in "the body" as a topic of sociological interest and analysis in recent decades, with few notable exceptions, the sociology of education has not taken as seriously as it might how "embodied subjectivities" both shape and are framed by contexts of teaching and learning. There are processes of formal…

Statistics show a growing need for American children to develop healthy nutrition habits and make physical activity a routine part of their day. This article discusses the importance of knowledge about lessons on healthy lifestyles in preschool population to check obesity. By targeting preschoolers, the New York City obesity-prevention program and…

Overweight children would not be the first thing a visitor to Grafton, West Virginia, would think of when seeing the small farms that cling to steep hillsides and cultivate the bottomland along the Tygart River as one drives into town. Like most of the state, the landscape around this village nods to pastoral enterprise, suggesting a place where…

The purpose of this paper is to critically reflect upon the mixed/modest results of the primary studies related to the effectiveness of physical activity enhancement and improving nutritional intake in obesity prevention programs for children and youth. The results of a recent review of this topic that included 57 randomized controlled trials…

With the recent rise of childhood obesity, teaching children with developmental disabilities about healthful lifestyle choices has important implications for special educators. Designing instructional interventions for children with developmental disabilities in the areas of nutrition and weight management poses challenges to educators, who must…

Although rates of childhood obesity among the general population are alarmingly high, they are higher still in ethnic minority and low-income communities. The disparities pose a major challenge for policymakers and practitioners planning strategies for obesity prevention. In this article Shiriki Kumanyika and Sonya Grier summarize differences in…

With American children on course to grow into the most obese generation of adults in history, Sonia Caprio argues that it is critical to develop more effective strategies for preventing childhood obesity and treating serious obesity-related health complications. She notes that although pediatricians are concerned about the obesity problem, most…

The medical evaluation of 165 mentally retarded Australian adults found an average of 2.6 health problems, well above the number in the general population. In order of frequency, conditions found included obesity, ocular impairment, serious dental problems, and aural disorders. Active health promotion with this group is recommended. (DB)

Discusses the problem of overweight and obese preschoolers, particularly those in an academic preschool situation, which traditionally allows children to function without specific objectives related to physical fitness. Offers recommendations for integrating a balanced fitness program. (Author/RWB)

The attitudes of college students in Australia and the United States about body weight were investigated. The results indicate excessive and maladaptive concerns with weight, in general, and among women and American students in particular. (Author/BJV)

This article presents results from a study that described variables relative to the risk factors of secondary school students' smoking and being overweight. Implications for future risk reduction programs that are targeted for smoking and weight problem behaviors are given. (Author/DF)

Contains 18 articles discussing the uses of behavioral medicine in such areas as obesity, smoking, hypertension, and headache. Reviews include discussions of behavioral medicine and insomnia, chronic pain, asthma, peripheral vascular disease, and coronary-prone behavior. Newly emerging topics include gastrointestinal disorders, arthritis,…

Students entering a university-sponsored weight-reduction program were given a questionnaire to assess the strength of their basic motivational needs and were later asked if the program satisified those needs. Students whose needs were met for affiliation and achievement were more likely to complete the program. (Author/PP)

School physical education programs can be an invaluable source of information, support, and help for overweight children and adolescents. Such programs can stress the value of exercise and individually designed fitness plans and emphasize nutrition in weight control. Basic elements for designing such programs are discussed. (PP)