New Reports Show Improvement in U.S. Diet and Declining Childhood Obesity Rates

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New reports reveal that childhood obesity rates are declining and the national diet is improving.

According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, communities of color and low-income are more likely to be hit by higher rates of childhood obesity, however, states across the nation have shown signs of progress! For example, Georgia has seen a 10.8% decline in obesity among children ages 2-4, New Mexico has also seen a 15.1% and 11.1% decline in overweight and obesity among children, and in a Wisconsin school district, a report shows a combined overweight and obesity decline of 30.2%.

How are these communities ensuring healthy weights for kids?

Communities are building a culture of health by working together to increase consumption of healthier foods and beverages and increase physical activity. Collective efforts between schools, programs, and policies have improved access to healthier foods and physical activity, helping to make the healthier choices easier for many communities across the nation. 

In a recent report from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers are also seeing healthier changes in the U.S. diet. Researchers from Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition found among U.S adults age 20 year or older an increased intake of healthier foods like whole grains, nuts, whole fruit and fish and a decrease in consumption of sugary beverages.

There is still much work to be done for ensuring healthier weights and diets for Latino kids, as researchers reported that there was little evidence of healthier diets or weight reduction in this group and even some indicators of increased weight and disparities among communities of color.

Building a culture of health is important for all communities. Working together to ensure safe and healthy places to play, work, and live are vital for the health and future of our children.

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