Obesity, low birth weight holding kids back
Two problems are plaguing American kids: Obesity and low birth weight.Overall, the well-being of kids has improved over the years. But not for American children ages six to 11 who are four times more likely to be obese than kids in the 1960s. Kids ages two to five are three times more likely to be obese. As for low birth weight, the percentage rose 12.3 percent from 1994 to 2005, likely due to delayed childbearing and the use of fertility drugs.
These Duke University findings are concerning because overweight children have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. And low birth weight has been linked to developmental and learning problems, lower academic achievement, and chronic health conditions.
The good -- and perhaps conflicting -- news is this: Researchers found significant improvements in kids' mortality rates, especially for kids ages one to four. Rates fell for kids five to nine too. Why? Better health care, better nutrition, and use of car safety seats, speculate the experts.
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