Jan

13

Childhood Obesity News - Foundation researchers investigate underlying causes of childhood … - Heart and Stroke Foundation (press release)

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In Canada , 26% of children and youth aged two to 17 years are overweight or obese – and this number is rising, putting Canada ’s children at risk for heart disease at an early age. That’s why Doctors Katherine Morrison and Zubin Punthakee are researching the underlying factors that could be contributing to this epidemic of overweight and obesity. The researchers are basing this new study of children on a trial of 135,000 adults in 16 countries, which is exploring how the built environment and nutrition and tobacco policies affect their risk of obesity and overall heart disease. Punthakee says that one thing that’s been seen is that in affluent areas, walkability (areas with local stores and destinations that can be easily reached without driving) is associated with lower obesity rates, but not in areas where the average income is lower. It will take one or two years for the research team to collect the data from all the kids and communities, but the researchers hope the results will help generations to come avoid the pitfalls of obesity and heart disease. The contents do not necessarily represent the Foundation’s opinion or policies and the Heart and Stroke Foundation assumes no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracy or omission of information or from the use of any information or advice in this article. Read Childhood Obesity

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