Despite Initiatives Targeting Childhood Obesity, Researchers See No Downward Trend In Rates

The numbers have remained steady for childhood obesity, but the rate of teens with morbid obesity has increased. The lead researcher, Asheley Skinner of the Duke Clinical Research Institute, says she doesn't know what the trend would look like without the numerous public health campaigns and White House efforts directed at the epidemic, but "we’re certainly not seeing a reversal."

When it comes to reversing the obesity epidemic, there have been glimmers of hope that the U.S. might be making headway, especially with young children. For instance, back in 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documented declines in obesity rates among low-income preschoolers in many states. And case studies in cities including Kearney, Neb., Vance, N.C., and New York , N.Y., have reported progress, too. (Aubrey, 4/26)

Rates of childhood overweight and obesity have not decreased in the U.S. in recent years, and severe obesity is on the rise, especially for minority children, according to a new study. Ten percent of teens now have severe obesity, lead researcher Asheley Skinner of the Duke Clinical Research Institute told Reuters Health by phone. (Doyle, 4/26)

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