[summer]

Times have changed so much for kids. I can only recall maybe one or two heavy kids when I was growing up, in my entire time in preK-12. And it wasn't so long ago!

After you walked to school, had PE three times a week (in gym suits and then showered, even in a public elementary school gym locker room), and had 40 minutes of recess in the playground everyday after lunch, and then ran around playing kickball for two hours after school, I guess you burned a lot more calories than kids who are now sitting around playing video games hour after hour.

[summer]

PS And, walked home from school!

[rockabyebaby]

This is pathetic indeed. Take away the video games, the tv, bring back mom in the home after school, PE, walk to and from school, go OUTSIDE and play, baseball, football, red rover, jump rope, play on the jungle gym in the park, etc. etc. etc.

[traumer]

" workouts are rewarded with apples and bananas and include play like jumping rope, spun off 14 franchises last year nationwide. It charges $50 to $125 a month... "

HEHE - only in America

[sageb1]

It's another reason feminists will use to keep moms working (which is the reason we have such a problem with childhood obesity to begin with).

I HAVE to work to pay for Health Club for my kids. /sarc off

[dakine]

In the Good Ol' Days we used to make fun of the fat kids...

[freekitty]

I see another scam to make a lot of money for someone.

[MineralMan]

My mother had a health club she sent us kids to. It was just outside our front door.

"You kids! Get out from underfoot. Go outside and play!"

We did. None of us were overweight. We were all healthy, lean, and active.

In the Summer, my mom didn't want to see us, except for lunch and at suppertime. If we showed up any other time, she'd give us a glass of lemonade and kick us back out of the house. Great mom!

[gaijin]

Several forces at work, here:

1. Drugs + illegal aliens = dangerous neighborhoods, kids can't play outdoors

2. Career-minded parents want de-facto baby-sitters (mommy not around)

3. Kids crave video-games

[MikeHu]

The one I don't understand is the girl who has a 4.0 gpa, plays basketball, dances, a busy life -- why does she need to go to a health club to build stamina? I would think she needs more time for rest and recovery, to conserve energy -- than the need for more exercise. She has a greater need to conserve energy.

Like many stories appearing in the old media, it doesn't add up -- or adds up to a 40-hour day.

[BananaHamock]

This is such a good idea! Finally a plan of attack has been started. Children do need to be very careful about their weight as it can have lifelong effects. For more on the subject you should read what Dr. Blaylock has to say about it.