Latino Children In U.S. More Likely To Be Obese By Age Three Than Blacks, Whites,, Study Says
Latino children in the U.S. are more likely to be obese by age three than black or white children, according to a study released on Monday by the Mathematica Policy Research, Reuters/Boston Globe reports. The report is based on a study of 2,452 children born in 75 U.S. [click link for full article]

Meridia Helps Obese Teenagers Lose Weight
Meridia (sibutramine), combined with behavioural therapy, has been shown to be effective in helping obese teenagers lose weight, according to a study carried out by Dr. R Berkowitz and team at Children Hospital of Philadelphia. The researchers found the treatment is effective for obese 12-year-olds as well. The study involved 498 12-16 year old children at 33 weight-loss clinics - all of the children were obese. [click link for full article]

Strict parenting linked to overweight kids (AP)
AP - "Clean your plate or else!" and other authoritarian approaches to parenting can lead to overweight children, a new study finds.

Eleven seen as a key age for obese children (Reuters)
Reuters - Children who are overweight or obese by the age of 11 are likely to carry their excess weight into adulthood and to suffer from related health problems, researchers said on Friday.

What Leads To Obesity In Rural Communities?
Residents of rural communities who feel isolated from recreational facilities, stores, churches and schools are more likely to be obese than those who believe they are closer to facilities, new Saint Louis University research finds.The study is thought to be the first to examine the link between obesity and the environmental factors within rural communities. [click link for full article]