Virus Linked to Childhood Obesity

I totaylly think obesity as well as childhood obesitiy is multifactorial.  I was a fat kid. My parents sent me out to play constantly and tried to get me to be active. I went outside and read a book if I could get away with it. That being said I did some running around and transportation to friends houses was on a bike or hoofing it so I did get some excercise. My mother cooked healthfully and we never had sweets or soda in the house. We ate out once a week on Sunday lunch, had two vegetables with every meal. By the time I was in 5th grade I weighed 130 pounds at 4'9. Thankfully the doctor advised my mom to put me on a diet. I lost weight and stayed a normal weight until college. That was always a struggle however. I think some kids do have something that "predisposes" them to obesity.  Then when they eat unhealthy, are inactive, they just get huge.

Cheryl

Interesting research. I agree that it is not just one factor for most of us - it certainly wasn't for me. Whatever the causes, healthy eating and body movement are still the best lines of defense. I wish that there were less invasive surgical options for obese kids. I know there has been some work on a stomach pacemaker that would send signals to the brain that the body is full. I am not sure what has happened with that research. Does anyone know?

Amy