The latest on the childhood obesity crisis

Two interesting reports have surfaced this week: one good news and the other good news if you care only about the children in this country...

Regarding the latter, it turns out that American children aren't the fattest in the world after all. According to a CBS News report, there are more children -- 44 and 45 percent, respectively -- in Spain and Italy who are overweight or obese. In this country "only" 41 percent of the children are overweight or obese.

There was a positive side to this story: According to the study cited, the incidence of childhood obesity is increasing more slowly in the U.S. than in most of the other countries.

The really good news is that there's evidence that the childhood obesity crisis is beginning to subside. Several recent studies reported that rates of overweight and obese children plateaued after rising rapidly since 1980, but now a first major study has detected a decline - of 4 percent - and it was in a national sample dominated by low-income blacks and Hispanics, the groups at highest risk and the least likely to make a change.

Maybe people are finally getting the message! We can hope...

Comments

[Terry]

As Americans, we have an uphill battle against childhood obesity. We have to move out this sedentary lifestyle that has plagued us since the 80s, and move into a more active way of living. The change won’t just be about eating healthier, but changing our culture as a whole.

[Glinda Cauthorne]

That's a piece of news worth celebrating! Still, the decline of obesity rates should be seen as a product of proactive activities done to fight obesity, and not as a random phenomenon.

[Gastric Bypass Man]

Absolutely true, it's good news. But parents should still be cautious on what their child eat as it really plays a big role in their health and when they grow up.