Obesity Rates Declining in Most States

Well, after decades of childhood obesity rates on the rise, we finally have some good news to report.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported this month that obesity rates among preschoolers have dropped in 19 states from 2008 to 2011.

Nationwide, we are looking at a significant improvement in making a dent in the overwhelming issues that obesity can lead to in later life: diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, just to name a few. The states with the drop in preschool obesity rates were New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington DC, Maryland, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota, Kansas, New Mexico, California, Idaho, and Washington. In addition, the U.S. Virgin Islands saw a decrease in childhood obesity rates as well.

Three states recorded an increase in the obesity rates among preschoolers, and Pennsylvania was among the top gainers in this area. Colorado and Tennessee were the other two.

So, what’s been different in those 19 states? The CDC’s study and surveillance data indicates that state and local officials have played a key role in the reduction. For examples, communities may have created partnerships with civic leaders and child care providers to make changes to eating habits and activity levels. Also, policies have been developed to make it easier and more affordable for families to buy healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, many schools have been opened up their gymnasiums and playgrounds during non-school hours to encourage more play time.

While the CDC’s report indicated that preschool obesity rates have declined, we still have a significant amount of work to be done to reverse the obesity trend. Currently 1 in 8 preschoolers (ages 2 to 5) are obese. Obese children are at risk to be obese in adolescence and are five time more likely to be overweight or obese as an adult, leaving them with the potential for significant health problems including high cholesterol, asthma, mental health issues, heart disease, and diabetes.

It’s important to start early with healthy behaviors. The plan is simple: eat healthy and get plenty of activity.

The CDC has made the following suggestions for parents to encourage their children to be healthier:

• Serve fruits and vegetables and other nutritious foods and meals for snacks
• Be role models by eating healthy meals and snacks with your children
• Make water easily accessible throughout the day (limit the amount of sugary drinks you provide your child such as sodas, sport drinks and even juices)
• Limit the amount of time your child watches television or uses the computer
• Support and encourage physical activity – even go out and play with your child every day.
• Work with your health care provider and use them as a resource for nutrition education and other support services.

Reference:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Progress on childhood obesity. Many states show declines. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/ChildhoodObesity/index.html.