Childhood overweight is related to a number of factors including poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, genetics, and community environment.
A growing problem in many communities is a lack of sidewalks, parks, biking trails, and community-sponsored recreation. Access to community gardens, farmers' markets, and healthy vending or concession options also is limited. Urban sprawl -- including planned communities, superhighways, and super-shopping centers -- has contributed to this problem. Communities can benefit by examining their infrastructures and working to provide a safe environment that promotes physical activity and access to healthy food options.
For more information on what a community that promotes healthy food options and physical activity order publication, download (pdf) or order a copy of Overweight Kids: What Communities Can Do
For more information, order the "Raising Healthy Kids" series 
Some of the files linked on this site are pdf files. For more information about pdf files or to download a free copy of Adobe Reader, please consult the pdf help section.