Another wacky childhood obesity initiatve

Piling on with alleged “disorders” associated with childhood obesity, is one so nutty it’s incredible that it was actually awarded $1.5 million.

What’s the new disorder that fat children are supposedly suffering from?

“Nature-deficit disorder.”

Getting them into the woods and teaching them about “conservation and environmental stewardship” will supposedly “address troubling declines” in the mental and physical health of kids suffering from childhood obesity, diabetes and even attention deficit disorder, according to organizers. No evidence was provided....

Washington kids head for the woods, thanks to Forest Service program

The $1.5 million “Kids in the Woods" program is aimed at a growing problem among American school children: a lack of direct experience with nature that experts say can contribute to childhood obesity, diabetes and even attention deficit disorder.... “We can help address troubling declines we see in the mental and physical health of our children. At the same time, we can inspire future conservation leaders, who can perpetuate the critical role nature role forests play in the quality of life for Americans," said Forest Service Chief Gail Kimbell. at a news conference today in Washington, D.C....

Richard Louv, a journalist and author of the 2005 book, “Last Child in the Woods," applauds the Forest Service effort. Louv, says children are suffering from attention problems and higher rates of mental and physical illness because they aren't directly exposed to nature — a problem he calls a “nature-deficit disorder."