More than 12 percent of preschoolers are obese, which means they have a body mass index above the 95th percentile. Among Black and Hispanic children, the figure rises to 16 percent. These early growth patterns often continue through childhood and adolescence, increasing children's health risks, which can affect almost every system in the body, from cardiovascular to mental health. Childhood obesity often occurs in the context of family obesity. Evidence has shown that interventions that address families' dietary choices, mealtime behaviors, and patterns of physical activity have the highest likelihood of success early in life.
The Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) will host a symposium during its Biennial Meeting that brings together researchers to examine health promotion and obesity prevention initiatives—from those that focus on individual behaviors to national nutrition assistance policies.
Among the questions that will be addressed:
The symposium will take place at the Washington Convention Center, Room 611, on Saturday, April 20, 2013, from 10:20 to 11:50 a.m.