Greener Neighborhoods, Thinner Kids

Plant a tree against obesity. How about that for a tagline? According to a newly published study at the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, there's some truth in it.

A new study of more than 3,800 inner-city children revealed higher neighborhood "greenness" was associated (not causal, here) with slower increases in body mass index (BMI) over time -- regardless of age, race or sex. Study participants aged 3 to 18 years lived in the same residence for more than 24 consecutive months.

Maybe shady streets invite kids out to play. Maybe that green park around the corner instead of the trash-littered empty lot makes all the difference. One thing I do know is it's extremely difficult to lose weight once you've put it on. Overweight or obese children are at risk for a lifetime of obesity and all of its associated health problems. Maybe neighborhood green space is more important to your child's health than that extra half bath.