Many childhood football players are overweight

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In general, organized sports are thought to be beneficial for children and adolescents. However, there has been concern that some sports, such as football, promote overweight as bigger bodies may be beneficial at some positions and coaches may encourage behaviors that are unhealthful.

In this issue of The Journal, Malina et al underscore this problem. They found that over 40% of young boys playing football were overweight or obese. The prevalence was highest in early maturing boys and among linemen. That is the bad news. The potential good news is that those overweight boys are engaged in an activity that can promote increased activity and could be used to promote improved diet. It is important for pediatricians to interact with coaches of youth sports to promote more healthful behaviors and reduce the prevalence of overweight.