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Childhood Obesity
Use of Prescription Diet Drugs, Xenical and Meridia, to Treat Obese Children
Advice About Reducing Body Fat - How to Reduce Weight

Childhood Obesity

One-in-five U.S. children is currently classified as overweight and the number affected has been rising steadily, according to the AAFP.

Weight studies show that in 1974, 5 percent of young people were obese. By 1997 it was up to 15 percent, and it could reach 20 percent if we don't do something about it soon.

One somewhat controversial solution involves the use of adult prescription diet drugs to help kids lose weight. In ongoing year-long studies at 14 medical centers around the United States, groups of up to 400 obese children between ages 12 and 16 are taking one of two of the newest prescription diet drugs on the market - Xenical, which reduces dietary fat absorption, and Meridia, an appetite suppressant.

Although these drugs are different and much safer than diet drugs of the past, the studies are a dramatic and, some say, even desperate move. Doctors involved in the studies, however, believe they're on the right path. Obese kids face lifelong health risks Indeed, studies indicate overweight children are highly likely to grow into overweight adults, most with a slew of potentially life-threatening problems in tow, including increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and even some forms of cancer.

For next page, click Child Obesity Study

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