Prevalence of Childhood and Adult Obesity in the United States, 2011-2012, Published in the Journal of American Medical Association

The JAMA report of a 43 percent drop in childhood obesity rates among 2- to 5-year-olds over the past decade is an important step forward – but the research also shows an alarming trend: obesity rates overall among 2- to 19-year-olds are unchanged.

We must create healthier environments for all young people to improve their health throughout childhood and adolescence.

The Alliance works with more than 20,000 schools and out-of-school time providers to support their efforts to increase access to healthier foods and physical activity— focusing attention on low-income and minority populations who are at increased risk for obesity, heart disease, and other diseases.

We need to celebrate the progress made in reducing rates among young children, continue working hard to accelerate that progress and bring down the rates of obesity for all young people.

Howell Wechsler, EdD, MPH
Chief Executive Officer
Alliance for a Healthier Generation