Obesity top cause for school absences

A recent study found that kids are obese are absent from school more than other kids, missing an average of two more days than their non-obese peers. Interestingly, obesity seems to predict absenteeism more than any other factor, including school performance and socioeconomic status, two of the top reasons cited in the past for poor attendance.

Though the study doesn't tell why students are missing school, health experts believe it may be more of a social issue than health related -- students stay home to avoid being picked on. There's no way to know for sure, but this study may spur changes in schools, including nutrition classes and improved choices on the cafeteria line.