Juvenile obesity is a serious, increasingly prevalent problem in technologically developed (computer literate) societies. Almost one-quarter of U.S. children are now obese, a dramatic increase of over 20% in the past decade. It is intriguing that the increase in prevalence has been occurring while overall fat consumption has been declining. A low physical activity (PA) is characteristic of obese children and adolescents, and it may be one cause of juvenile obesity.
There is a strong association between the prevalence of obesity and the extent of TV and computer viewing. The three main dietary approaches are; 1) protein sparing modified fast, 2) balanced hypocaloric diets, and 3) comprehensive behavioral lifestyle programs. To achieve long-standing control of overweight, one should combine changes in eating and activity patterns, using behavior modification techniques, said the American College of Sports Medicine.

Obesity rates climbed in 31 states in U.S.

Obesity rates continued to climb in 31 states last year, and no one state showed a decline.
Mississippi became the first state to crack the 30 percent barrier for adults considered to be obese. West Virginia and Alabama were just behind, according to the Trust for America’s Health, a research group that focuses on disease prevention. Colorado continued its reign as the leanest state in the nation with an obesity rate projected at 17.6 percent. (Associated Press - Aug, 2007)