For the first time in decades, the obesity rate among low-income preschoolers is, to quote the head of the CDC, “moving in the right direction.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s new report, 19 states have seen their childhood obesity rate decline as a result of diet and exercise programs. The rest of the states stayed the same, except for three (looking at you Colorado, Pennsylvania and Tennessee), which got fatter.

Childhood obesity has been Michelle Obama’s signature issue since becoming first lady. She launched the “Let’s Move” program and even planted an edible garden at the White House.

Of course it would be too generous to give Obama all the credit for the work of so many activists, parents and public servants, but they should all be proud, even if the shift is moderate. Where children’s health is concerned, even small victories should be celebrated — especially when we’re talking about low-income families that must contend with economic crises, food deserts and cuts in public funding.

Source: The Washington Post

— Posted by Peter Z. Scheer

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