Summer is associated with children at play. But a recent study suggests it's also a time when kids are gaining weight at an increased rate compared with during the school year.
A Harvard University systematic review, published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention journal Preventing Chronic Disease in 2014, analyzed seven studies. All but one showed evidence of a faster rate of weight gain among some children during the summer compared with the school year.
The faster weight gain was most pronounced among children who were already overweight.
Authors' recommendations included "greater access to summer camps and parks and recreation programs." They also recommended "increased use of summer food programs," which provide meals outside of the school year.
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