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

See what's on KTKA 49 ABC on our online TV schedule here.

  • Monday, January 12, KTKA will be conducting two DTV/digital conversion tests, the first at 5:20 p.m. for 3 minutes, the second at 6:58 p.m. for 3 minutes. If you should experience any interruption in our broadcast during the test times, call 866-973-4949 for help.
  • Go farther on less. Check out Kansasgasprices.com.
  • With cold and flu season looming, prepare yourself with information at www.ktka.com/flu.
  • The Community Blood Center is running low on blood and you can help. Tap into here or call (785) 233-0195 to schedule a donation appointment. It's your chance to help save a life.

Catch our tweets on Twitter.

KTKA 49 Contest Rules

Online chats

Taxpayer's Corner

The holidays are over and, ready or not, it's time to start thinking about your taxes. Tap in here to get ideas from the experts to save yourself aggravation come April.

Your Heroes

Salute Your Hero
49 News wants to share personal stories of military service. If you have served or know someone who has, share the story online and on the air.

Submit a Your Hero story.

See Your Heroes photo gallery here.

Digital Television Info

By Feb. 17, 2009, all television transmissions will be digital. KTKA is counting down to that day. Will your television screen go black? Tap into resources that will aid you in making the switch. Go.

49 News Kidcasts

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

Station of the Year

KTKA is your Station of the Year. We were recently awarded this honor, among others, by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. Learn more.


Voices

Latest blog entries

Topekan Nominated for Grammy

From I Heart Local Music

Hooray for hometown pride at the Grammys this year!
My First "I'm Back" Email

From Maikutlo Aka - My Views

I was cleaning today and found this old email which I sent out to a group of friends & family when I first got back from SA over six years ago... being away from SA for a year and a half now, it was a good feeling to re-remember when I first "fell in love".

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

Do you agree with the federal government’s decision to ban the sale of used children’s products?

See the results without voting »


AP Video