Childhood Obesity Rates Reduce by 43 percent: Study

Childhood obesity rates dropped by 43 percent in the United States, according to a recent  study.

Researchers used data of 9120 participants who took part in the National health and Nutrition Examination survey conducted in 2011-12 to provide most recent figures of childhood obesity and analyzed the trend in the last decade.

The body mass index (BMI), height and weight were recorded to compare with five previous studies  done between 2003 and 2012.   

The study used standard gender and age specific measurements given by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Infants whose recumbent length or weight for height was at or above 95 percentile of the growth charts and participants with BMI rates 30 or above were considered obese.

The findings from the 2011-12 survey showed nearly, 8.1 percent infants and toddlers aged up to two had high weight for recumbent length. Almost 16.9 percent of participants aged two to 19 and 34.9 percent of adults aged 20 and above were obese.

A significant drop of 43 percent in obesity rates among 2 to 5 years old can be seen. It dropped from 13.9 percent in 2003-04 to 8.4 percent in 2011-12.  The issue remains unchanged among the adults and seniors.

Tom Frieden, CDC Director said in a press release, "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. 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."

The experts believe further investigation is needed to identify the real cause behind the sudden drop in obesity rates in this age group. They believe improvements in nutritional standards and decreased consumption of sugary drinks in the past few years has contributed to the decline in obesity rates.  Another reason is the higher prevalence of breastfeeding of children in recent times. Breastfed children are less susceptible to obesity, according to the CDC.

Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States of America launched the 'Lets move' initiative to promote healthy habits and nutrition among young children. She said during  the launch ," I am thrilled at the progress we've made over the last few years in obesity rates among our youngest Americans 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."