Obesity Rates for Toddlers in Low-Income Families Have Dropped

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Childhood obesity is one of the leading health concerns plaguing the Latino community. New research shows from several federal agencies show that obesity among toddlers from low-income families is declining. New research from several federal agencies, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports.

However, despite the decline, the prevalence of obesity for low-income toddlers is 14.5%. This number far exceeds the national average.

“Continued initiatives to work with parents and other stakeholders to promote healthy pregnancies, breastfeeding, quality nutrition, and physical activity for young children in multiple settings are needed to ensure healthy child development,” according to the authors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

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Researchers studied data on children age 2-4 who participated in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which provides low-income families with nutritious food, healthy eating resources, and referrals for care.

“To reduce the high prevalence of early childhood obesity among low-income families, new and continued implementation of evidence-based measures are needed to support and educate pregnant women, ensure parents and families have the appropriate information about healthy behaviors, and encourage stakeholders across various settings and sectors to create supportive nutrition and physical activity environments,” authors wrote.

According to the study, from 2010-2014, there were significant declines in obesity rates among all five ethnic groups surveyed, including Latinos which had the highest prevalence overall.