According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “obesity rates among preschoolers are improving, but there is more work to be done to continue this downward trend. Among low-income preschoolers (ages 2-4 years) from 2008-2011:
– Obesity rates decreased slightly in 19 of 43 states and territories (including Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida).
– Obesity rates increased slightly in 3 of 43 states and territories (including Tennessee).
– Obesity rates did not change in 21 of 43 states and territories (including Alabama, Arkansas, and North Carolina).

The Facts:
– 1 in 8 (12%) preschoolers is obese.
– About 1 in 5 (19%) black children and 1 in 6 (16%) Hispanic children between the ages of 2 and 5 are obese.
– Obese children are more likely to be obese later in childhood and adolescence. In these older children and adolescents, obesity is associated with high cholesterol, high blood sugar, asthma, and mental health problems.
– Children who are overweight or obese as preschoolers are 5 times as likely as normal-weight children to be overweight or obese as adults.”

Read Jim Marks’ post about how we can continue making good progress. He comments, “Declining obesity rates among preschool-age children in programs like WIC are the result of a similar focus. The research released today did not pinpoint the exact causes of progress, but two factors likely had an impact:

– The 2008 overhaul of the WIC “food package”—Five years ago, WIC changed the mix of foods covered by the program. The changes encouraged families to buy more fruits and vegetables, with the goal of improving children’s health and nutrition. They increased allowances for whole grains and cereals while reducing reliance on high-fat dairy products. Grocery stores serving WIC moms and children changed their inventories to meet the new standards, benefiting not only WIC families but all members of the local community.

-Improved nutrition and reduced screen time in child care centers—More and more cities and states have required child care providers to improve the nutritional quality of foods and drinks served to young children. Just as important, major early education providers like the Y of the USA and Bright Horizons, have made major changes on their own, promoting physical activity, eliminating sugar-sweetened beverages, and reducing TV time for children in their care…“

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