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Story
Combating food illiteracy
Some health experts say Americans' ignorance about nutrition is fueling the obesity epidemic that may lead to lower life expectancy rates.
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Story
When diets don't work, children turn to surgery
At age 12 and weighing 329 pounds, Daniel Soderberg was likely the youngest person in the world to receive a gastric bypass to save his sight.
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Story
From farm to school
One effort to improve nutrition on school menus is a movement to connect nearby farmers with Minnesota schools.
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Story
Breaking the cycle of obesity
In northern Minnesota, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe are battling the unhealthy eating habits closely linked to soaring rates of Type 2 diabetes.
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Video
Reconnecting to healthy food
At the Leech Lake Reservation, a meal based on locally-grown and wild foods has become part of a weekly drum and dance night.
MPR News explores how changing our food culture could help cure obesity.
Eating well in school
Slideshow: School lunch menus around Minnesota
A look at what's for lunch at public schools.
Smart shopping
MPR's Tom Crann tours a supermarket with expert on making healthy and affordable food choices.
Food culture
Lynne Rossetto Kasper, host of The Splendid Table, offers tips on healthy cooking and feeding picky kids.
Credits:
Reporters: Lorna Benson, Tom Robertson, Tom Weber
Broadcast editor: Mike Edgerly
Web editors: Jennifer Ehrlich, Melanie Sommer
Web producer: Than Tibbetts
Interactive producers: Molly Bloom, Drew Geraets
Photographer: Jeffrey Thompson
Interactive: What's in your fridge?
- ONLINE FORUM at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 26. Join our discussion about solutions to the child obesity problem.
Resources
- USDA: Track your food intake
- Minnesota Department of Agriculture: Find locally-grown food
- Calculate your BMI
- Calculate your child's BMI
- Centers for Disease Control: Healthy Weight information
- Report: How Obesity Policies are Failing
- Commentary:Growing up 'husky'
- Archive 07/30/2008: St. Paul YWCA targets childhood obesity
- Archive 01/06/2010: Midmorning - Rising obesity, lower life expectancy
Minnesota Idea Open
Minnesota Public Radio News reported this series as part of a project being directed by the Minnesota Community Foundation. Along with other partners, the foundation has launched a contest -- the Minnesota Idea Open -- that asks Minnesotans to offer ideas to help combat obesity in their communities. Implementation of the winning idea is funded with a cash award. April 9 is the last day to submit ideas. For more information visit: www.mnideaopen.org.
In The Spotlight
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The Current Music Blog
Your daily note for good music, news and pop culture. With attempted jokes.
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