CDC reports dramatic decline in obesity rate among children 2-5

Wednesday, February 26, 2014  

The obesity rate among children ages 2-5 dropped 43 percent in the last decade, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Some 14 percent of children ages 2-5 were obese in 2003-2004. The rate dropped to 7 percent in 2011-2012.

“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 a press release. “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.”

Despite the drop among young children, obesity rates remained the same among most adults. For women over 60, they actually rose 21 percent, the CDC said.

Obesity contributes to diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases.

Get the Story:
New CDC data shows 43 percent drop in obesity rates among children 2 to 5 (The Washington Post 2/26)
Obesity Rate for Young Children Plummets 43% in a Decade (The New York Times 2/26)

Get the Study:
Prevalence of Childhood and Adult Obesity in the United States, 2011-2012 (JAMA February 2014)