Overcoming Childhood Obesity

Yesterday I was doing the school run (on foot as it is only 10 mins walk). I passed two children who were so obese they were waddling, these were with different sets of parents. I live in the UK, not the US, and to see two children like this so quickly is unusual, but it is becoming an increasing problem.
Normally elementary schools in the UK draw their children from a very local area, but we use a faith school and many of the pupils have to be driven. Sadly a lot of those living close by are brought by car when the exercise would be beneficial.
In the last 18 months there as been a lot of publicity about healthy school meals. In our school the youngest are given fruit or a raw carrot as a mid-morning snack and milk is available with lunch. However many families, with several children, find it cheaper to send sandwiches and have an evening meal. For working parents this often means fast food.

Overcoming childhood obesity is not difficult, it just means more exercise and an improved diet with home cooking. Both take time, but the benefit is the chance of a longer and healthier life.