There's some good news for people like Michelle Obama, Jamie Oliver, New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg and many others who are fighting the good fight in the battle against the childhood obesity epidemic. It looks like their messages are FINALLY getting through: f__or the first time ever, childhood obesity rates have started to drop in some major cities across the United States__.
As a former fat kid and obese adult, I think that this is seriously the best news EVER!
Read more ¿Qué más? Family bands together to help 9-year-old lose 66 pounds! (VIDEO)
According to The New York Times, after decades of rising childhood obesity rates, major cities like New York (down 5.5%), Los Angeles (down 3%) and Philadelphia (down 5%) are finally seeing a turn around. The numbers of decline aren't huge but experts are saying that this is huge news because it could actually mean that the obesity epidemic is reversing course after 30 years of increasing numbers.
So what seems to be finally working? Researchers can't seem to agree on an answer but Philadelphia schools seem to have a solution. In 2004, they banned sugary drinks (like sweetened iced tea, fruit punch and sports drinks) from school vending machines. Since then, they have also reduced the portion sizes of snacks (making them smaller and healthier), got rid of deep fryers from the cafeterias and even replaced whole milk with one percent and skim milk only.
Read more ¿Qué más? Genetics and junk food are both to blame for childhood obesity problem
Well, I think that this all seems to be working! It's maybe not an ideal system but it certainly seems to be making a bit of a difference in some places. We could definitely all be doing a lot more in schools and at home but these are GREAT first steps. Perhaps the next ones should be to help encourage parents to start exercising with their kids (since we learned it really works, thanks to this 9-year-old who lost 66 pounds with the help of her family). And, of course, keep those healthier school lunches coming!
Image via Thinkstock
