Generation Extra Large: Rescuing Our Children from the Epidemic of Obesity

272 pages. Ex-library 9 new epidemic is gripping the world. You can see it in San Antonio and Londo n, in Beijing and Tashkent: Far too many kids are far too fat, putting them on t rack to becoming the first generation in history to have a shorter life expectan cy than their parents. And it's not their fault. It's not their parents' fault, either. It's not even entirely Ronald McDonald's fault, although it's time for h im to wipe that smile off his face. Obesity is the biggest threat to our childre n's health today, and it's up to us to get serious about defending kids against it. Generation Extra Large reveals the cultural and economic causes of childhood obesity. It's not only television, video games and junk food. Parents work long hours that disrupt family eating and exercise. Schools compound the problem by lining the halls with soda machines, serving fast food and cutting back physical education and recess. Poverty plays a key role, with kids growing up in neighbo rhoods where it's too dangerous to play and where unhealthy food is affordable a nd all too easy to get. But there is hope. Dedicated parents, educators, physici ans, and community leaders are working to find creative, effective ways of helpi ng our children slim down and stay healthy. The authors give voice to these crus aders, and provide checklists, interactive tests, and nutritional guides for con cerned readers. Generation Extra Large explains why the epidemic has grown, reve als the consequences it has in store for our young people-and gives us tools to fight it.…