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Getting A Grip On Obesity

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 4, 2008

A new study on obesity among low-income children highlights a perplexing problem that requires action by entire communities.

Researchers at Iowa State University tested a popular theory that poor children are more likely to be overweight because their parents must serve cheaper, less nutritious food or compensate for skipped meals with oversized portions.

The study involved 1,031 low-income children in three cities. It found that about half were overweight, but only 8 percent were affected by food shortages.

Far from providing reassurance, the study illustrates the frustrations of dealing with a problem whose cause is elusive.

Sarah Hampl, medical director of weight management services at Children's Mercy Hospital, rightly says that physicians and communities can't wait for researchers to pin down a cause.

About 35 percent of children who arrive at Children's Mercy's primary care clinics in the Kansas City area are overweight or obese. They come from all income levels.

"This is an epidemic and we need to move on it," Hampl said.

That means action on many fronts:

•Schools must serve healthy lunches and build physical activity into their schedules.

•Cities must work to make neighborhoods safer for children to play outdoors, and encourage exercise with bike paths and trails.

•Churches and community groups can educate parents about low-cost, healthy food choices.

Researchers believe extra pounds in childhood could result in heart disease and other serious illnesses in early adulthood. Helping young people slim down can save lives.

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