OBESITY DECLINES IN LOW-INCOME CHILDREN

Obesity in low-income preschoolers has declined 19% from 2008 to 2011 in 19 of 43 states and territories, reported the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Obesity has been a common trend. With sugary drinks, increased meal portions and nutrition lacking lunches in school cafeterias, 1 in 8 preschoolers is obese in the United States. Those numbers increase in black children to 1 in 5 and to 1 in 6 in Hispanic children between the ages of 2 and 5.

Children that are obese at a young age are more likely to be obese as adolescence. Children that reach adolescence have a higher probability of obesity-associated illnesses such as high cholesterol, high blood sugar, asthma and mental health problems.

Although the rates declined in 19 of the 43 states and territories, more work needs to be done to continue this downhill trend. Three of the 43 states and territories had a slight increase in obesity and 21 faced no changes. Utah, Wyoming, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, South Carolina, Virginia, Delaware and Maine were not included in the Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System.

There are many things that can be done to promote health, starting with a healthy breakfast at home, participating in outdoor activities, and shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Helping low-income families get affordable and nutritious food through programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and partnering with community members to promote healthy eating and lifestyles are some ways to get children healthy and continue the declining obesity trend.

Even reading to a young child will promote healthier food options. A recent study that came out showed children, ages 4 to 5, who for three months listened to five stories emphasizing key concepts about food and nutrition during snack time, voluntarily consumed more vegetables than students who followed a typical snack time.