Story: Obesity Edging Smoking as No. 1 Preventable Killer of Americans, 3/15/04
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june04/obesity_3-15.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What did the CDC's report say?

2. What percentage of American teens is overweight? What about all Americans?

3. How do doctors measure obesity?

4. What are some health risks of being overweight or obese?

5. In addition to being unhealthy, what are some other risks of teens being overweight?

6. What step has the U.S. Health Department taken to combat high rates of obesity?

7. What have critics said about the ads?

8. What is the "cheeseburger bill" ?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. Why do you think so many Americans are overweight or obesity?

2. Do you think overweight Americans should be able to sue fast-food restaurants? Why or why not?

3. Do you think the new government ads are offensive to overweight people? Why or why not?

4. Describe your lifestyle? Do you consider yourself physically fit? Why or why not? What are some things you could do to make yourself healthier?

Write a 300-500 word essay on any of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra [extra@newshour.org]. Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.