Obesity rates have dropped among children from low-income families

Although obesity has historically been especially prevalent among children from low-income families, new CDC data find it is now less common among young children in families who rely on a federal nutrition assistance program. Looking at data from more than 12 million children ages 2-4 whose families are enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, researchers found that rates of obesity went from around 16% in 2010 to less than 14% six years later. Researchers also found that between 2010-2014, the prevalence of youth obesity decreased in 34 of the 56 agencies that administer the WIC program. One potential cause for the decrease: a change in food available through the program to include more fruit, vegetables, and whole wheat products.