Kids eat too much pizza, warns study

CHICAGO, IL -- A new study from the journal Pediatrics says American kids eat too much pizza, and their health is suffering.

The study shows pizza is the second largest contributor to calories for kids across the U.S.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says pizza can account for more than 20% of a child's daily intake of calories and contributes to days of 'much higher' calorie intake.

On any given day, they say 20% of children are eating pizza.

That could potentially lead to problems like childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Two slices of pizza contain 570 calories, chicken nuggets and fries have 645, and a hamburger and fries have 719 calories.

Experts say you can cut the calories and boost the nutrients by choosing veggie toppings, thinner crust, or going easy on the cheese.

You can also boost the nutrients by using a whole grain crust, low sodium tomato sauce, and all natural cheese.