Childhood obesity is decreasing in younger children for the first time in eight years. That is according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Among 2-5 years old, obesity has declined based on CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.”
According to USAToday.com, preschool aged kids appear to be on a healthier track. “While obesity rates for most Americans haven't changed significantly over the past decade, among kid’s ages 2 to 5 the obesity rate dropped from 14% in 2003-2004 to just over 8% in 2011-2012.”
Sesame Street characters along with First Lady, Michelle Obama have joined forces with public service announcements as part of the government’s efforts to get kids moving. So, just how far are the nation’s kids moving in the right direction? Some skeptics say there is nothing being done for the older kids.
David Ludwig of Boston Children's Hospital, told USAToday.com that obesity "remains at historic highs.” He went on to say, “today's kids could be the first generation in history to live shorter, less healthy lives than their parents."
As a health and fitness expert, I’ve noticed a trend toward healthier food options become more readily available throughout the last decade. For example, there have been many more specialty and healthy grocery stores popping up all over the nation.
If we segment age groups we can see that throughout these older adolescents’ lives, the food trends as well as the educational trends are finally moving towards a healthier future.
The older kids did not have as much of an option when they were younger and establishing their eating habits. But when working with parents, it has been evident to me that they are more educated with media coverage leading them down a healthier path as well.
They are now more informed about the types of foods and are trying to steer away from junk and more toward less processed foods.
There has also been an initiative in school lunches to be healthier. In fact, according to USAToday.com, First Lady Michelle Obama announced last month that there are new rules to ban the marketing of unhealthy foods in schools during the school day. "Our classrooms should be healthier places where kids aren't bombarded with ads for junk food."
Making healthier choices more readily available and perhaps affordable could also play a role in the decrease of obesity levels for those in a lower socio-economic class. According to the CDC, “Obesity and extreme obesity among U.S. low-income, preschool-aged children went down for the first time in recent years.”
USAToday.com reported that the CDC contributes some of these uplifting results to some healthier food and lifestyle choices. “CDC research has found two dietary changes that could help explain any progress: Americans are consuming fewer sugary drinks and more women are breastfeeding.”
Sources:
“Trends in the Prevalence of Extreme Obesity among U.S. Preschool-Aged
CDC.gov.” The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Web 31 March 2014.
http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html
Children Living in Low-Income Families, 1998-2010 – CDC.gov.” The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Web 31 March 2014.
http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/downloads/jama_highlights_final_data_source_added_011013.pdf
“Child obesity rates drop 43% in past decade – Liz Szabo – USAToday.com.” USA Today. Web 31 March 2014.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/25/child-obesity-drops/5813395
Joanne Sgro-Killworth is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training.
Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.happiwoman.com/ She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her husband and son, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.
Reviewed April 1, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith