We haven’t heard this news in a while…

According to a new federal survey, American kids are getting healthier.

Obesity has been rising across the board for decades, but the report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documents a 43% drop in obesity for children ages 2-5. 

“This is the first time we’ve seen any indication of any significant decrease in any group.” – CDC researcher and report author Cynthia L. Ogden

Why did this small group show a decrease when most groups remained the same? There are several theories….

1. Personal habits – parents are choosing less sugary drinks, mothers are breast-feeding, and overall there has been a decrease in caloric intake.

2. The WIC program – Women, Infants, and Children, otherwise known as WIC, increased the amount of benefits that can be spent on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Mothers will be getting more (about $2 per child) towards healthy and cultural options as the program revamps to promote healthy eating habits.

3. The First Lady – Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign has been popular. About 10,000 childcare centers agreed to meet certain standards in regards to healthy eating and exercise. She unveiled a new plan last week to change nutrition labels.

It will take decades of continued research to see if the drop in childhood obesity rates is significant. Many are skeptical, saying there needs to be more data over a longer time frame, but the gain is promising.

Children aged 2-5 that are overweight or obese are likely to be overweight or obese into adulthood. Could this new trend mean a healthier generation is on the way? 

It’s a thin hope.