Fighting the obesity epidemic

Adobe Flash player 9 is required to view this video
Get Adobe Flash player

An epidemic is sweeping the nation. Fast food and sedentary lifestyles are leading to 60 million Americans obese. And it's not just adults.

Scott Huston, owner of Maximus Wellness and Fitness, said, "More and more we see they are kind of calling it an epidemic for kids."

A new government study says a third of all children are obese. Maximus Fitness says they try and make families feel welcome.

"We're getting them involved and making it more of a family affair at the club," Huston said.

Other parents, aware of the statistics, say they are getting an early start. Julia, Sophia and Sam are two year-old triplets.

Laney Gliser said, "We go out every single day and play outside and hardly watch TV; feed them healthy foods. "

Laney has her hands full, but chooses fresh foods instead of fast.

"It's easy, but the benefits of not eating fast food definitely outweigh the convenience of it," she said.

Folks at Maximus insist it's never too late to start, even if you are part of the majority that are obese. They agree with the government study that says the best way to drop the pounds is to get moving.

Scott Huston said, "Doing this cardio vascular 2 to 3 times a week for 30 minutes, that alone is going to help their risk for heart disease and things of that nature, let alone losing weight."

The Department of Health and Human Services says just 2 and a half hours a week of exercise can go a long way. And that you can start with a 10 minute walk each day.


Post a comment

(Requires free registration.)

Username:
Password: (Forgotten your password?)

Comment:

Advertisement

Keep an eye on Topeka's weather with the 49 ABC News Sky Cam.

On the air

KTKA 49 Contest Rules

Online chats

49 Sports Challenge

It's time for the 2009 49 Sports Challenge! Click here to see the challenges 49 Sports Anchor Nic Hoch faces, or to challenge him yourself!

Swine Flu

Follow what's happening with the swine flu here.

49 News Kidcasts

Watch future TV stars, 6 to 12 years old, give the day's records on 49 Storm Team Weather here.

Main Street Live

KTKA 49 ABC is coming to your hometown. This Summer, starting June 10th, catch Main Street Live. Every Wednesday, we'll broadcast live from a city in Northeast Kansas, highlighting that community. Visit our Main Street Live homepage to find out when we might be coming to your town. You can send us photos and info about your town as well.

Register to Win

Register to win Worlds of Fun tickets.

A Day Away

Gather up the family and let "A Day Away" be your guide to investigating the nooks and crannies of the Sunflower State.

America's Next Top Model

Click here for eligibility requirements. Click here for the application.


TV Schedule

Voices

Latest blog entries

Severe weather and the 4th of July

From Weather Watch

This holiday weekend, much like Memorial Day weekend, is always filled with outdoor activities, barbeques and storms.
Le Tour

From The Hub

Can Lance win?

Interested in writing a blog? Send us a few sample entries! Let us know what you're interested in writing about, the experience you have with your topic, and anything else you think we'll find useful to know.

Latest blog comments:

Want to comment on the news?

Now you can - register for a free account and post comments to stories, blogs, podcasts and more, only on 49abcnews.com. Go »

Poll

Should ambulances charge more for people who weigh more than 350 pounds?

See the results without voting »