The proportion of overweight children has almost doubled since the mid 1980’s largely owing to the impact of social influences on children’s diet and physical activity patterns. These influences include an increase in television viewing, the pervasive marketing of fast foods to children, increased frequency of eating away from home, meal “supersizing” and limited opportunities to be physically active.

Preventing weight problems in children is a shared responsibility. Success in combating childhood obesity demands a coordinated effort by parents, school systems, communities, and government agencies.

Pike County hosted a satellite teleconference originating from Iowa State University, which focused on providing a critical review of research efforts to define the specific contributors to the increased prevalence of overweight problems among children. Additionally participants learned ways to put that research into practice by determining approaches that can help prevent excess weight gain in childhood.