The National Academy of Sciences released a report on Thursday recommending a nationwide campaign to fight the growing problem of childhood obesity, which contributes to diabetes and other health problems.

Native American children are at high risk, the report said. "For example, the prevalence of obesity in 7-year-old American Indian children has been estimated recently at nearly 30 percent, representing twice the current estimated prevalence among all U.S. children of that age," the report said.

To reverse course, a panel of health experts made more than a dozen recommendations affecting parents, schools, food companies, and state, local and federal governments. Children should get at least 30 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity, new nutrition standards should be developed for public schools and the food industry should offer more information to consumers, the panel said.

Get the Story:
Report Urges Nationwide Campaign to Combat Childhood Obesity (The Washington Post 10/1)
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New Approach to Childhood Obesity Urged (The New York Times 10/1)
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Get the Report:
Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance (September 30, 2004)

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