Childhood obesity is more prevalent in the Northeast, followed by the Midwest, South and West. It is also more prevalent in cities than in rural areas.

Most weight problems are caused by too little activity and too much food. Most children who are overweight don’t need to diet.

Ask a parent to name the greatest health threat to children and you'll hear about drinking or drugs. Rarely will anyone cite obesity -- even though it can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes.

Doctors think teens who have metabolic syndrome face a high risk for the early onset of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Six states now make schools measure students' heights and weights for so-called body mass index report cards.

Encourage your teen to eat three balanced meals a day, with fruits or vegetables as snacks.

Find out how much you know about the new dietary guidelines and how they differ from the old food pyramid.

Teens need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most days for good health and fitness and for healthy weight during growth.

Some children are very involved in competitive sports, but many other youngsters get no exercise at all. That lack of exercise is tied to an increase in childhood weight problems.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases offers suggestions to help your child develop and maintain good eating habits and to prevent chaotic mealtimes in your home.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Sports Medicine now say that strength training is fine for kids, as long as they are supervised and don't try to lift too much weight.

Parents can do a lot to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in their kids—even if the parents already have it.

By teaching your kids to follow a healthy lifestyle, you can help reduce their risk for heart disease later in life. Although children and teens usually don't show the symptoms of heart disease, the silent buildup of plaque (fatty deposits) can start in childhood and can have a serious impact on their adult life.