In recent years, the national childhood obesity rate has leveled off. The prevalence among children ages 2 to 5 has dropped since 2003-04. Some districts, cities, counties, and states have reported declines in their rates as well.
The places that are reporting declines have taken their own unique approaches to addressing childhood obesity. Many of these places have made comprehensive changes to make healthy foods available in schools and communities and integrate physical activity into people's daily lives.
However, progress in reducing racial, ethnic, and economic disparities has been more limited. More efforts are needed to implement these types of sweeping changes nationwide and to address the health disparities gap that exists among underserved communities and populations.
This brief includes the key data documenting declining childhood obesity rates.