September marks Childhood Obesity Awareness month, an important time to reflect on the progress we are seeing in addressing childhood obesity and to discuss what's needed to sustain that progress. According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the prevalence of obesity in children ages 2-5 years decreased from approximately 14 percent to slightly more than 8 percent from 2003 to 2012. This represents a significant decline. A smaller but significant decline in obesity was also observed in 19 of 43 states/territories examined in another CDC study of low income children ages 2-4 years published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Several associated changes could account for the decreases in prevalence among our youngest children. Two years ago, Claire Wang, MD, MSc, ScD, of the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, published a study indicating that the caloric deficit necessary to return the mean BMI of 2-5 year-old children to 1970's levels by 2020 was approximately 30 kcal/d. Changes in the WIC package, decreases in the consumption of soda and fast food, and decreases in calories in the U.S. food supply as a result of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation's efforts have likely played a role.

However, the job is not yet done. Prevention of childhood obesity remains an important focus and an area where advances are needed. According to another study published in JAMA, children with obesity at age 14 were four times more likely to have been overweight at the age of 5 than children who had a normal weight at that age. In fact, half of childhood obesity occurred among children who had become overweight during preschool. These observations suggest that a substantial component of childhood obesity is already established by the time a child is 5 years old. Dr. Wang's data and the prevalence data indicate that we can make the greatest progress by focusing on the youngest age groups. Now we need concerted efforts to establish what works to reduce obesity in other age groups.

Tools that can help facilitate conversations about obesity also are crucial. The STOP Obesity Alliance's Weigh In guide is one such tool that offers parents and caregivers tips for how to respond to questions that children may have about weight and health. Unless we enable sensitive and effective conversations, our progress will be more limited.

As we reflect on another Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, please take time to talk with your family, friends, and colleagues about effective ways to address obesity. A wide base of support is essential to change the environments that contribute to obesity in our homes, institutions, and communities.

Sincerely, 

 

September 26, 2014

Occupational Health & Safety

The CDC awarded nearly $212 million in grant awards to support programs aimed at preventing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The grants are funded in part by the Affordable Care Act to address the leading causes of death and disability in the US, as well as to help lower health care costs.

Obesity Isn't Sole Cause of Type 2 Diabetes

September 25, 2014

U.S. News and World Report via HealthDay

By Serena Gordon

At least three new studies have reported factors other than weight that may underlie a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, such as genetic mutations, the hormone amylin, and disturbances in the body's natural clock. One such study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that people with a mutation to a gene called PPARG are at a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than people without the mutation. 

Soda Firms Join Push to Help Fight U.S. Obesity

September 24, 2014

The Hill

By Sarah Ferris

Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Dr. Pepper Snapple announced that they will market lower-calorie drinks, bottled water, and smaller sizes as part of their effort to reduce Americans' caloric intake from sugary beverages by 20 percent by 2025. The American Beverage Association, which has spent millions to oppose soda taxes and bans across the country, also signed onto the voluntary agreement. The companies plan to ensure their progress with help from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

Are Obesity Drugs Nearing a Breakout? Novo, Takeda Think So

September 17, 2014

FiercePharma

By Carly Helfand

The article reports on pharmaceutical companies' efforts to ramp up their R&D and marketing efforts to spur on sales of obesity drugs. Despite these efforts, obesity drugmakers are still struggling to persuade doctors to back weight-loss medications, patients to take them, and health insurance payers to cover them.

Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity Moves to UConn

September 12, 2014

UConn Today

By Kristen Cole

The University of Connecticut (UConn) announced a new partnership with the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. The Rudd Center will move to UConn in January 2015 and will continue to focus on research to inform policy decisions surrounding obesity prevention.