Rising obesity in Japan

Japan, a country traditionally known for the longevity of its population, is seeing the effects of processed and fast food, and overall lack of exercise, in rising obesity rates among its younger generation. Scary thought. This according to an article I found on CNN.
Click here for the complete story.

Now, part of me wonders what being enrolled in such a program must do for the emotional well-being of a child (How do you sugarcoat the message that they need to be enrolled in 'special classes' because they're fat?). And a bigger part of me thinks that I'd love to see these types of specialized programs in Canada. Not just summer fat camps, but programs that children and teens can attend during the school year.

I love the fact that the Japanese government is taking initiative and actively combatting child obesity before it gets out of hand.

The government has set aside about $600,000 in the 2006-2007 budget to tackle child heft. The Health Ministry also plans to research the link between parents' lifestyles and overweight children, and support selected towns to promote healthier eating habits.

Heavy kids are also flocking to programs like Sayaka's in central Tokyo. Opened in 1985, the Health and Sports Class' one-year curriculum is split between sports and nutrition and health lessons for children and parents.

In a one-on-one monthly session, the parent and child are given specific instructions on how to improve their eating and living habits. Many continue on with the program even after their year ends.