CDC: Obesity prevalence down among 2- to 5-year-olds

ATLANTA — The latest obesity data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, published in the Feb. 26 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed a significant decline in obesity among children aged 2 to 5 years. Obesity prevalence for this age group went from nearly 14% in 2003-2004 to just more than 8% in 2011-2012 — a decline of 43% — based on CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. 

Although the JAMA study does not specifically compare 2009-2010 with 2011-2012, NHANES data does show a decline in the 2- to 5-year-old age group during that time period — from just more than 12% in 2009-2010 to just more than 8% in 2011-2012.

“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 ages 2 years to 4 years participating in federal nutrition programs,” stated CDC director Tom Frieden. “We’ve also seen signs from communities around the country with obesity prevention programs, including Anchorage, Alaska, Philadelphia, New York City and King County, Wash. This confirms that at least for kids, we can turn the tide and begin to reverse the obesity epidemic.”

While the precise reasons for the decline in obesity among 2- to 5-year-olds were not clear, many child care centers have started to improve their nutrition and physical activity standards over the past few years. In addition, CDC data show decreases in consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among youth in recent years. Another possible factor might be the improvement in breastfeeding rates in the United States, which is beneficial to staving off obesity in breastfed children. 

“I am thrilled at the progress we’ve made over the last few years in obesity rates among our youngest Americans,” stated Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States of America. “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.”

Overall, CDC’s latest NHANES obesity data published in this week’s issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association indicated there had been no significant changes in obesity prevalence among 2- to 19-year-olds or adults in the United States between 2003-2004 and 2011-2012.