The latest data released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed a sharp decline in obesity rates for U.S. children between the ages of two and five.
In 2003 obesity prevalence for this age group was at almost 14 percent, in 2012 that number had dropped to just above eight percent; this represents a drop of about 43 percent, a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services news release reported.
"We continue to see signs that, for some children in this country, the scales are tipping. This report comes on the heels of previous CDC data that found a significant decline in obesity prevalence among low-income children aged 2 to 4 years participating in federal nutrition programs," CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H., said in the news release. "We've also seen signs from communities around the country with obesity prevention programs including Anchorage, Alaska, Philadelphia, New York City and King County, Washington. This confirms that at least for kids, we can turn the tide and begin to reverse the obesity epidemic."
The exact cause of this drop is unknown, but a number of factors could have led to the study results. Child care centers have been making an effort to improve the healthfulness of their meal plans and of the amount of physical activity they encourage. Recent CDC data has also found the rate of sugary drink consumption among youths has dropped in recent years; higher breastfeeding rates are also suspected to be a factor in the study's findings.
"I am thrilled at the progress we've made over the last few years in obesity rates among our youngest Americans," Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States of America, said, according to the news release. "With the participation of kids, parents, and communities in Let's Move! these last four years, healthier habits are beginning to become the new norm."
