Supersize me: The social context of the childhood obesity epidemic

Boston Children’s Museum announced today the second Lunch & Learn in a series of lectures which focus on helping parents, educators and child caregivers understand and react to the most prevalent issues facing our children.

This quarter’s Lunch & Learn topic is Supersize Me: The Social Context of the Childhood Obesity Epidemic to be held at Boston Children’s Museum Tuesday, June 15, 2010 from 11:30am-1:30pm.  Dr. Elizabeth Goodman, pediatrician, and Dr. Beth DeFrino, psychologist, present their research and answer questions regarding childhood obesity issues.

• What is obesity?  
• What created the epidemic?
• Is it a social phenomenon, or do biologic factors explain why one-third of children in the US and two-thirds of American adults are overweight today?

This presentation will address these questions and explore how interactions between the social and biological environments in which we live influence health.  Further, the presentation will discuss how engaging young people to create solutions to the obesity epidemic are a powerful, important, and yet often overlooked element in our response to this problem.

“Obesity in this country has more than doubled in children and more than tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years.  The statistics are staggering and prove we simply can't afford to wait to reverse the trends,” said Michael Yogman, M.D. vice chair of the board of Boston Children’s Museum.  “As parents and caregivers, we must be role models for the next generation’s nutritional and activity choices.”

Reversing the childhood obesity trend takes a long- term commitment.  It is our responsibility to work together to support parents and caregivers while creating a healthier environment for our children.

Boston Children’s Museum has taken an active role in supporting parents, who must face important behavioral and health issues almost daily. Through the Lunch and Learn Series, the Museum provides information about best practices and provides access to expert professional advice on current controversial topics. Parents, educators and child caregivers will have the opportunity to ask the professionals questions and interact with others facing similar issues.
Tickets are $30 each. 

To purchase tickets for this Lunch & Learn lecture or for additional information, please contact Brittany Molloy at 617-426-6500 x221 or [email protected] or visit www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org.