RWJF News Digest: Childhood Obesity

Here is this week's digest of key articles from major journals and news publications on the topic of Childhood Obesity. The digest is provided as a free service of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and is edited and compiled by The Advisory Board.

Arkansas Education Officials Require All Schools to Limit Vending Machine Options, Require Physical Activity
The Arkansas Board of Education voted to impose mandatory school nutrition and physical education requirements that restrict the use of vending machines in middle schools until 30 minutes after final lunch period and require 30 minutes of physical activity each day for kindergarten through 12th grade students, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports.

National Program Helps Bring Fresh, Locally Grown Produce to Some North Carolina Schools
An increasing number of schools in western North Carolina are offering fresh, locally grown produce in cafeterias with the help of a national program that encourages school food-service workers to partner with local farms to offer students healthier options, the Asheville Citizen-Times reports.

Missouri Community Receives Federal Funding to Add Bike Paths, Trails to Transportation System
Columbia, Mo., is one of four cities across the nation selected to receive $25 million in federal funds for a pilot program to incorporate more "nonmotorized" transportation into their community by increasing the number of bike lanes and walking trails, the Associated Press reports.

Virginia Health Officials Hold Workshop to Address Rising Obesity Rates Among Minorities
The Virginia Health Department will sponsor a workshop in Fredericksburg geared toward curbing obesity among minority residents, the Associated Press reports.

New York City Health Commissioner Calls for Voluntary Ban on Trans Fats Among City Restaurants, Food Suppliers
The New York City Health Department asked all city restaurants to voluntarily ban the use of partially hydrogenated oils that contain trans fats when preparing food and instead use healthier alternatives, such as olive and sunflower oils, the New York Times reports.

Federal Health Officials Defend New Food Pyramid as Simple, 'Motivational' Symbol
Responding to criticism that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) new food pyramid is an ineffective tool to promote better nutrition because it lacks specific information on what foods American should eat, health officials say that the pyramid is intended to be a simple, motivational symbol, the Associated Press reports.

Parents Should Work to Counter Low Self-Esteem in Overweight Children, Expert Says
A physician specializing in childhood obesity urges parents to help overweight children boost their self-confidence by focusing on health rather than body image, the Dayton Daily News reports.

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