CDC Report Shows Obesity Among Low-Income, Preschool-Aged Children has Stabilized
July 27, 2009
CDC Report Shows Obesity Among Low-Income, Preschool-Aged Children has Stabilized

The obesity rate among low-income preschoolers may be stabilizing, according to a July 24, 2009 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Surveillance Summary “Obesity Prevalence Among Low-Income, Preschool-Aged Children --- United States, 1998—2008” indicates that obesity prevalence among this group increased steadily from 12.4% in 1998 to 14.5% in 2003, but remained essentially the same with a 14.6% prevalence in 2008.  In 2008, the national prevalence of childhood obesity in this group remained highest among low-income Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska Native children and continues to increase among American Indian/Alaska Native preschoolers.  The report is based on data from CDC’s Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System, the only source of nationally compiled obesity surveillance data obtained at the state and local level for low-income, preschool-aged children participating in federally funded health and nutrition programs.

See also:

CHHCS: Schools and Childhood Overweight
CHHCS: Childhood Overweight: What the Research Tells Us
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Obesity Prevalence Among Low-Income, Preschool-Aged Children --- United States, 1998—2008