Channel 11 is using its PIX Morning News to help shine a light on the epidemic of obesity among children. The Centers for Disease Control says there has been a dramatic rise in the last 30 years, with the number of overweight youngsters more than tripling.

WPIX is teaming up with Cohen Children’s Medical Center to provide awareness, while empowering families. Running all week, WPIX will air special features in the 7 a.m. hour this week.

Among the topics to be discussed: On Monday, with 10 percent of children having too much fat in their liver, reporter Ellyn Marks examines fatty liver disease with the chief pediatric gastroenterologist at Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

On Tuesday, WPIX will explore the growing trend of Type 2 diabetes among young children.  Other areas to be focused on this week include weight management and sleep apnea.