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Obesity declined in children aged 2 to 5 years; overall prevalence remains
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Researchers now report a significant decline in obesity among children aged 2 to 5 years, but overall obesity prevalence has not changed since 2003, according to the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data.
The prevalence of obesity for this younger age group dropped from 13.9% in 2003-2004 to 8.4% in 2011-2012, representing a decrease of 43% (P=.03), according to Cynthia L. Ogden, PhD, of the National Center for Health Statistics at the CDC, and colleagues.
“We continue to see signs that, for some children in this country, the scales are tipping. This report comes on the heels of previous CDC data that found a significant decline in obesity prevalence among low-income children aged 2 to 4 years participating in federal nutrition programs,” CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH, said in a press release. “We’ve also seen signs from communities around the country with obesity prevention programs, including Anchorage, Alaska; Philadelphia; New York City; and King County, Washington. This confirms that at least for kids, we can turn the tide and begin to reverse the obesity epidemic.”
Thomas R. Frieden
The researchers measured weight and height or recumbent length in 9,120 patients included in the 2011-2012 NHANES.
Along with the significant decline in obesity among children aged 2 to 5 years, there was a significant increase in obesity among women aged at least 60 years (from 31.5% to 38.1%; P=.006).
Overall, the researchers reported no significant changes in obesity prevalence from 2003-2004 to 2011-2012. Data indicated that in 2011-2012, 8.1% (95% CI, 5.8-11.1) of infants and toddlers demonstrated high weight for recumbent length while 16.9% (95% CI, 14.9-19.2) of patients aged 2 to 19 years and 34.9% (95% CI, 32-37.9) of adults aged at least 20 years were obese.
“I am thrilled at the progress we’ve made over the last few years in obesity rates among our youngest Americans,” first lady Michelle Obama said in the press release. “With the participation of kids, parents, and communities in Let’s Move! these last 4 years, healthier habits are beginning to become the new norm.”
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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