CDC shows huge drop in obesity among children

PHOENIX — A new report shows that fewer young American kids are starting life with extra pounds.

The Center for Disease Control says the obesity rate for children between two and five years old has dropped a whopping 43 percent since 2004.

It’s apparently the same story in Arizona.

“We’ve actually seen a decrease in our two-to-five year-olds as well, both in our overweight and our obese population,” said Dr. Cara Christ of the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Christ said that programs such as WIC are offering more healthy products, while pre-schools are teaching families how to do things better. “Increase physical activity, decrease screen time, help them to eat properly,” Christ said.

Adult obesity dropped three percent nationwide, and Christ says that’s about the same here. She admits that it’s harder for adults to lose weight.

“It’s harder to change your habits and get that physical activity when you come home from work after working all day,” said Christ. “It’s just a population that we know we need to work on.”