Obesity is top health concern for US kids in 2008

Washington, July 15 : A new report, released by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health, has shown that childhood obesity is now the No. 1 health concern for US kids in 2008.

The second concern for Americans is drug abuse while smoking is the third cause of anxiety.

"The National Poll on Children's Health report clearly shows that adults in America are very concerned about the problem of childhood obesity and its causes," said Matthew M. Davis, M.D., M.A.P.P., director of the National Poll on Children's Health.

"While recent studies have suggested that the childhood obesity epidemic may be leveling off, the results of this poll reveal that adults in the U.S. are still very much concerned about this issue," he added.

The National Poll on Children's Health, which asked adults to rate 20 different health problems for children living in their communities, reveals that bullying also now ranks among the public's top concerns for children's health, ahead of teen pregnancy and alcohol abuse.

Top 10 overall health concerns for U.S. children in 2008:

1. Childhood obesity

2. Drug abuse

3. Smoking

4. Bullying

5. Internet safety

6. Child abuse and neglect

7. Teen pregnancy

8. Alcohol abuse

9. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

10. Chemicals in the environment

ANI