more... > Health > Chronic Diseases > Overweight & Obesity > Get It Growing: Healthy Gardening (For Release On Or After 11/2/07) Gardening is a well-documented and beneficial form of exercise. It contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Whole-grain Foods Lessen Risk Of Metabolic Syndrome Older adults who consume nearly three servings of whole-grain foods daily are significantly less likely to have "metabolic syndrome," a condition that increases the chances of developing diabetes and heart disease. Yet Another Study Points to Obesity A new study shows that Americans consumed more calories over the past 30 years. This points to the increase in overweight and obesity in the United States. Youth Overweight Trend Confirmed Being overweight is a fast-growing health issue affecting children and adolescents. Many causes contribute to the problem, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.  more articles... Infancy Weight Gain Foretells Adulthood Obesity The problem of weight gain is increasing in the United States, with more than 60 percent of population now overweight and more than 30 percent obese. Among African-Americans, obesity rates are even higher. Prevent Adult Obesity in Childhood One quarter of all U.S. children ages 2 to 17 are obese, according to the Center on an Aging Society. Several more million children are at risk. Obese children are more likely to remain obese in adulthood, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy. Childhood Inactivity Bad Omen Active children are more likely to become active adults. As many children grow into adolescence, however, their physical activity levels decline, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Good News, Bad News About Holiday Weight Gain Most people face the holiday season with some fear of gaining weight. The good news is that although many people gain, research suggests that the gain will probably be only 1 pound, not 5, notes LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Effect of Exercise Debated Both obesity and being overweight have increased significantly in recent years, with nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults being one or the other. Whether this weight gain has resulted more from an increasing sedentary lifestyle or from less exercise is under debate, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy. Higher-fiber Foods Help Prevent Weight Gain, According To LSU AgCenter Nutritionist [Image: produce market] (Distributed September 2004) Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, reduced-fat dairy products and whole grains may help control weight, according to LSU Agricultural Center nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. LSU AgCenter Nutritionist Discusses Differences In Abdominal Fat Between Races, Sexes Obesity has increased tremendously in the last few years in both children and adults. The surge has raised the incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy. Weight Attitudes Different as Black and White White adolescents are more occupied with thinness than black adolescents. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy examines this phenomenon found in a Pennington Biomedical Research Center study.