Obesity has reached "epidemic proportions" in the United States, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Here's how local kids are shaping up on this issue:

Children's Weight-Related Resources:

Find data on Weight and Physical Fitness at kidsdata.org.

The Latest News: Links to local and national news stories related to
childhood weight and physical fitness, from kidsdata.org.

The Center for Healthy Weight at Packard Hospital offers treatment for obese children and teens. The website also offers weight management information.

Tips for Families: Make healthful snacks available. Learn what goes
on at school. Eat together. Begin an exercise routine.

School-Based Programs: Parents and teachers nationwide are coming up with creative solutions to combat childhood obesity.

Healthy Silicon Valley: A clearinghouse of local information on nutrition, fitness, and other information related to obesity.

Blueprint for Prevention of Childhood Obesity: San Mateo County Health Department, April 2006. (pdf)

Powerful Bones, Powerful Girls: These Centers for Disease Control websites for girls and parents emphasize how weight-bearing physical activity and calcium can be a fun and important part of everyday life.
Girls: http://www.cdc.gov/powerfulbones/index.html
Parents: http://www.cdc.gov/powerfulbones/parents/index.html

General Mills Foundation Offers Grants for Nutrition Programs
The General Mills Foundation will award 50 grants of $10,000 each to nonprofit organizations with innovative programs that help young Americans develop good nutrition and fitness habits. The goal of the grants is to support communities to improve the eating and physical activity patterns of young people, ages 2-20. Grant applications are due February 1, 2007, and grants will be awarded in May of 2007.

Other Information:

Alarm Over Kids' Weight: San Jose Mercury News series
Kaiser Family Foundation: Survey on childhood obesity
Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance Institute of Medicine study
California Obesity Prevention Initiative: Department of Health Services resources
The Future of Children: Childhood Obesity: The Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University
California Project LEAN offers an Action Guide to Stop the Marketing of
Unhealthy Foods and Beverages in School, as well as a guide to Implementing Your Local School Wellness Policy
Food On The Run: Lessons from a Youth Nutrition and Physical Activity Campaign
Banning Junk Food and Soda Sales in the State's Public Schools: A public policy case study from The California Endowment