Doctors say childhood obesity is a growing problem. Doctor Patrick Edwards said, "Our eating habits are not what they used to be.

Childhood obesity has double in the last 20 years. In the 1970s about seven percent of kids were obese, in 2000 15 percent of children were obese."

Christie Nye believes family plays a role in childhood obesity. She says, “One of the causes can be the lifestyle of the parent. That's one thing I'm trying to take ownership of right now. I am trying to get more exercise and I want my girls to get more exercise."

Doctors say the biggest causes of childhood obesity are what and how much kids eat and how little they exercise. A new report from the Public Library of Science Journal says 15 minutes of moderate activity could keep children from becoming obese.

Doctors say with the high popularity of videos games and television, kids are not going outside and playing like they used to. As spring unfolds, the health benefits are just one more reason to get outside.

Doctor Edwards said, "We're going see more city parks in Wilmington in the near future. There are plenty of opportunities for people to get outside and play and lack of parks in town should be no excuse.

For more information on childhood obesity log on to www.aap.org.