Obesity is a serious epidemic in our country. Over 60 percent of Americans are overweight or obese. Obesity is linked to health problems ranging from diabetes and heart disease to carpal tunnel syndrome. Studies show that obese men with prostate cancer have a greater risk for death. And pregnant women who are overweight have increased risks during pregnancy that can affect both mother and child.

New Jersey’s children face a health hazard that, if left unchecked, can turn dangerous: childhood obesity. The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey Healthy U program is designed to combat childhood obesity using nutrition education, increased physical activity and a focus on family. Click here to learn more.

ARTICLE, WebMD — The Teratology Society declares obesity as a pregnancy risk factor. Obesity during pregnancy increases the chance of having a baby with neural tube defects, even with enough folic acid in their diet.
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ARTICLE, WebMD — Obesity may increase the possibility of death among prostate cancer patients. If the new study is correct, obese men will still be at risk even with a prostatectomy.
Full text of the article can be found here.