New Childhood Obesity Rates Study Causes Call to Action

27 Feb 2014 --- With more than one-third of American adults and 17 percent of children categorized as obese, the health of our nation and future generations is truly at stake, making obesity a top priority for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and its members.

"While the results from the study published online February 26 by the Journal of the American Medical Association, showing the obesity rate among children ages two to five years old has dropped by 43 percent between 2003-2012, are promising, it is important to remember that no one study can be considered definitive," said registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy President Dr. Glenna McCollum. "As a science-based organization, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics draws on the entire body of research in our healthful-eating recommendations to consumers."

Research has shown, for example, that children need a high-quality diet of the right foods to optimize their growth and development and to maintain a healthy weight. This is why Kids Eat Right—a joint initiative of the Academy and its Foundation—has mobilized registered dietitian nutritionists nationwide to provide education and outreach to communities, families and kids.

"When it comes to addressing childhood obesity, registered dietitian nutritionists are on the front lines, working with individuals, families, schools and communities," McCollum said. "To name just one example, 170,000 children have been positively affected by Energy Balance 4 Kids with Play, an evidence-based program led by registered dietitian coaches that promotes nutrition, physical activity and energy balance knowledge and behavior changes."

"To make lasting, positive changes in the health of children and adults alike, and to help ensure that future research continues to find our national obesity rate going down, requires evidence-based, effective health interventions, as well as the skill and expertise of our country’s registered dietitian nutritionists," McCollum said.