A research study involving 186 food products marketed to toddlers and babies found that more than half have too many calories coming from sugar. Researchers from the University of Calgary found some foods with corn syrup and sugar listed as the first two ingredients on the food label. Ingredients used in the greatest amount are listed first on the label, followed in descending order by those in smaller amounts.

The increasing rise in childhood obesity and corresponding risk of diabetes has made parents very aware of the added sugars and calories in packaged foods. Making healthy food choices for their children will reduce these risks.

A commentary published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that schools offer classes in cooking instruction, grocery shopping, food safety, and nutrition information. The hope is that a return to the home economics classes of the past will have a positive effect in reducing obesity and Type II diabetes among school children.

We welcome comments from our Bumkins blog readers.

Do you think these classes are a good way for children to learn about nutrition?

Do you think the classes would be an effective tool in the fight against obesity?

One of our readers will be selected to receive a Bumkins Super bib!

Obesity Among U.S. Adults Continues to Rise

There has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States during the past 20 years. Obesity is defined by the body mass index (BMI) with a BMI of 30 or greater considered obese.

The proportion of U.S. adults who are obese increased to 26.1 percent in 2008 compared to 25.6 percent in 2007.  The data come from CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a state-based phone survey that collects health information from adults aged 18 and over.

Click on the above link to see the animated map showing the United States obesity prevalence from 1985 through 2008.