Obesity Rate Among Young US Children Drops 43%
Just eight percent of children aged two to five were obese in 2011-2012, down from 14 percent in 2003-2004, according to findings from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
"We continue to see signs that, for some children in this country, the scales are tipping," said the CDC's Tom Frieden.
He highlighted that the study comes on the heels of previously-released CDC data showing a "significant decline" in obesity among low-income children aged two to four participating in federal nutrition programs.
"This confirms that, at least for kids, we can turn the tide and begin to reverse the obesity epidemic," he added.
The exact reasons for the drop are unclear. However, many childcare centers have recently started boosting their nutritional and physical activity standards, the CDC said in a statement.
Other possible reasons, it added, could be higher breastfeeding rates and a decline in the consumption of sugary drinks.
First Lady Michelle Obama -- whose "Let's Move" campaign is aimed at tackling childhood obesity -- welcomed the new numbers.
"I am thrilled at the progress we've made over the last few years in obesity rates among our youngest Americans," she said.
"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."
Overall, however, the prevalence of obesity remains high in the United States and, for the first time in two decades, the White House is expected to unveil updated nutrition labeling on Thursday.
The CDC study also found that about a third of adults and 17 percent of children and teenagers were obese in 2011-2012, representing no significant changes.
- A couple accidentally shipped their cat in an Amazon return package. It arrived safely 6 days later, hundreds of miles away.
- A centenarian who starts her day with gentle exercise and loves walks shares 5 longevity tips, including staying single
- 2 states where home prices are falling because there are too many houses and not enough buyers
- "To sit and talk in the box...!" Kohli's message to critics as RCB wrecks GT in IPL Match 45
- 7 Nutritious and flavourful tiffin ideas to pack for school
- India's e-commerce market set to skyrocket as the country's digital economy surges to USD 1 Trillion by 2030
- Top 5 places to visit near Rishikesh
- Indian economy remains in bright spot: Ministry of Finance