Results  of a new study show  that  1 in 5 American 4-year-olds is obese. The highest prevalence is in American Indian/Native Alaskan children, in whom obesity is twice as common as in non-Hispanic white or Asian children. The research, published in the  April 2009 issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine ,  was conducted by Sarah Anderson, an Ohio State University public health researcher and Temple University’s Dr. Robert Whitaker.

It is important that this epidemic is getting noticed. It also shows that the obesity issue in this country begins at a very early age. Lifestyle30 suggested in her blog that we urge our public school systems to reintroduce physical education as a regular part of the curriculum and make kids go outside and play. This is a wonderful suggestion. I would also add that public school cafeterias could do a lot for our children by having healthy lunches available. However, the messages that children receive at home from their parents about healthy food choices and exercise is critical. I know that many parents experience stress and that the easiest option to feed kids wins when the choice arises between an easy choice for dinner versus a healthy choice. Yet parents could do a lot for their children by modeling healthy exercise and food choices, having a healthy dinner available when possible and talking positively about being healthy.

What are your suggestions for the childhood obesity epidemic?