28 September 2005

A web based rocket ship game aims to combat childhood obesity in the US.

The US Department of Agriculture has made its adult information website, the well-known "food pyramid" site more child friendly.

It has been specifically been designed to provide six to 11 year olds with important dietary advice.

The US government's Food Guide Pyramid has become iconic in US society, with the one dimensional nutrition guide featured on cereal boxes and dining hall posters.

The image has now been made interactive to get children involved in thinking about their daily diet requirements.

The rocket ship game allows children to record when they have eaten healthily and taken some exercise. The more healthy food entered on the site, the more the ship is fuelled, eventually allowing the rocket to take off. Fatty and sugary foods cause fuel to leak away.

It's hoped the site will be step forward in the fight against obesity. Currently two-thirds of American adults and 16 per cent of children are overweight.

Childhood obesity is hitting the headlines again in the UK with plans underway to completely ban junk food in schools from next year.

© Adfero Ltd

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