June 23, 2008 | Vol. 171 No. 25

How America's Children Packed On the Pounds (America The Fit / The Problem)

It wasn't easy to produce a generation of overfed kids — but it might well have been inevitable

It's Not Just Genetics (America The Fit / The Causes)

The rise in childhood obesity is a single problem with a whole lot of causes. Like any epidemic, it hits some groups hard and leaves others mostly alone. Which group your family belongs to depends on income, ethnicity, geography and more

Photo Essay

The Life of a Teenage Cowboy

Photographer Kenneth Jarecke and reporter Jeremy Caplan visit with a young rancher from Montana

School Cuisine (America The Fit / School Lunch)

It can be a real meal or a tray full of trouble, depending on what's on the menu

Overweight Children: Living Large (America The Fit / The Consequences)

Overweight children may be setting themselves up for a lifetime of health problems--if they don't take action now

Kids: Watching What They Eat (America The Fit / A Teen's Day)

From sugary cereals to fruity late-night snacks, a day in the dietary lives of three American teens

Weighty Issues for Parents (America The Fit / The Parents' Role)

Life can be hard for obese kids--and just as hard for their parents. Scolding and diets and tough love usually fail, so where do you turn? There are ways to improve an overweight child's menu, health and self-esteem--but the whole household needs to play a role

Fit at Any Size (America The Fit / Body Image)

Trimmer may still be healthier, but staying active is replacing weight as the true standard of beauty

10 Tips To Get Your Kids Moving (America The Fit / 10 Tips)

Get over the notion of exercise as a chore. Here's how to make activity a fun part of even the most reluctant kid's day

How to Pick a Veep (The Well / Campaign '08)

There's no right way to choose a No. 2. McCain and Obama have to decide what matters most: heft, diversity, party unity, regional balance, buzz — or a combination of all five

Will Obama's Anti-Rumor Plan Work? (The Well / Campaign '08)

The Democratic candidate is turning to the Web to disprove the rumors about his faith, his family and his patriotism

Debating Iwo Jima (The Well / History)

Movies can shape history, but one director is accusing another of misreading it

The Page (The Well / Special Veepstakes Edition)

So You Want to Be Vice President. The dos and don'ts of getting on the ticket

Getting to Know Jim Webb (Commentary / In the Arena)

The surprising Virginia Senator is a potent example of the Democrats' new style and thinking

To Swift-Boat or Not

It's easy to say you wouldn't swift-boat your opponent. But what if it were the only way to get elected?

Scared of Flight Attendants? Become One (Commentary / The Awesome Column)

To conquer a fear of flight attendants, Joel takes to the skies and attempts to become one

China's Sports School: Crazy for Gold (The Well / World)

Determined to knock the U.S. off the top of the Olympics podium, China's state-run sports schools are pushing their young students to the limit. Inside the medal machine

Living with AIDS (The Well / World)

Engage your Enemies (The Well / Commentary)

Engaging your enemies can be wise--as Ronald Reagan's diplomatic success proved

Postcard: Ranthambore. (Postcard: Ranthambore)

An Indian tiger reserve experiences a sudden, welcome baby boom. The lessons learned may help save the animals from extinction. The great cat's last, best hope