While still early, recent studies show evidence that childhood obesity is reversing in some cities.

This is tremendous news for all. The small percentage suggests a reversal of a longstanding trend.

If true, it demonstrates that awareness, education, and intervention helps. The culprits include ignorance, indifference, and the pushing on society of empty calories, especially those in sugary beverages.

Nationally, about 17 percent of children under 20 are obese, or about 12.5 million people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which defines childhood obesity as a body mass index at or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex. That rate, which has tripled since 1980, has leveled off in recent years but has remained at historical highs, and public health experts warn that it could bring long-term health risks. Read More…

Eliminating destructive food options in schools, providing healthier snacks in stores, and reducing intake overall can make a difference.

Just because something is tough does not make it undoable. These statistics mean that some kids are doing a lot better and likely feel great about it, not only physically, but emotionally.

Let’s hope this is not a fluke as we have a long ways to go as a society.