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, physical fitness, and other topics, 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

Other Information:

Kaiser Family Foundation: Survey on childhood obesity
Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance Institute of Medicine study
California Obesity Prevention Plan: Department of Health Services resources
California Project LEAN
Food On The Run: Lessons from a Youth Nutrition and Physical Activity Campaign
The California Endowment's work to fight childhood obesity