Obesity Problem Among America’s Youth Is Compounded By Malnutrition, Lack Of Exercise

Despite an increasing trend toward obesity, the lack of nutrients in the diet of America’s children is also causing malnutrition, according to a report from the American Dietetic Association. Compounding the problem is the fact that youth are also not getting the recommended amount of physical activity needed for healthy growth. The report recommends that parents, schools, communities and others make sure kids eat whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean meats and beans, and low-fat and fat-free dairy and get at least an hour of physical activity daily. Opportunities and strategies for improving the quality of children's eating behaviors and increasing their levels of physical activity include: maximizing parental influence, encouraging healthy family routines and promoting the availability of healthy foods for children wherever they eat.