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Fighting childhood obesity, for a healthier, longer life

In 1970, about 1 in 20 children were affected by obesity; today, it's 1 in 5, with diet and exercise both key factors in the increase. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jonathan LaPook looks at programs aimed at helping kids get healthy the old-fashioned way, by eating right and exercising, w

Published June 21, 2026, 2:18 PM
Updated June 21, 2026, 2:26 PM886
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Fighting childhood obesity, for a healthier, longer life

In 1970, about 1 in 20 children were affected by obesity; today, it's 1 in 5, with diet and exercise both key factors in the increase. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jonathan LaPook looks at programs aimed at helping kids get healthy the old-fashioned way, by eating right and exercising, while helping decrease the risk of problems tied to obesity later in life, such as diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.

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