Released on = June 27, 2006, 8:08 pm

Press Release Author = Robyn McGee

Industry = Education

Press Release Summary = Experts predict that unless the obesity rates among all
children is reversed, the current generation (\"Generation XXXL\") may be the first
ever whose life expectancy will be shorter than that of their parents.

Press Release Body = African American and Latino children have been particularly
hard hit by the childhood obesity crisis. Studies show that almost 36 percent of
black children between the ages of six and eleven are overweight, and more than 19
percent are considered obese. Among twelve- to nineteen-year-olds, 40 percent are
overweight and nearly 24 percent are obese.

Mexican American children fare even worse. According to the American Obesity
Association, nearly 40 percent of Mexican American children aged six to eleven are
overweight and almost 44 percent are obese.

Economics and weight are closely related. According to the American Obesity
Association, \"overweight affects African Americans across all socioeconomic levels.
Minorities with low incomes, however, appear to have the greatest likelihood of
being overweight, and among Mexican Americans the rate of overweight is about 13
percent higher for families living below the poverty line versus above the poverty
line.\"

In addition, supermarket chains that serve affordable nutritious fruits, vegetables,
and lean meats are missing from low-income neighborhoods. \"In an effort to make food
budgets stretch, many families cook meals high in fat and starch,\" explains Robyn
McGee, author of Hungry for More: A Keeping-it-Real Guide for Black Women on Weight
and Body Image \"Feeling deprived in other areas of their lives, people living in
poverty might reward themselves with cookies, cakes, and other satisfying sweets.
And of course this is the \"video game\" generation. Kids just aren\'t getting the
exercise they should.\" Lack of physical activity combined with \"supersized\" meals
means too many kids suffering in poor health.

McGee recommends integrating physical activity into the family\'s daily routine. \"For
example, climb stairs instead of taking the elevator, walk your child to and from
school when possible, find a family bowling league, or include a game of volleyball
or basketball in your weekend barbecues. Go bike riding, swim, or jump rope. These
are all activities that will benefit even some of the youngest members of the
family,\" says McGee.


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Contact Details = Ralph Hope
(310) 722-5058
robynmarie1973@yahoo.com