Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy says declining levels of physical activity may help explain why childhood metabolic diseases are becoming more common.

Carbonated beverage intake has increased significantly among America’s youth over a 20-year period. One soft drink a day has been linked to 60 percent increase in the development of obesity over time, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

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.

Carbonated beverage intake has increased significantly among America’s youth over a 20-year period. One soft drink a day has been linked to 60 percent increase in the development of obesity over time, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

(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.