Obesity rates have declined among New York City's public schoolchildren in kindergarten through eighth grade over the past five years, said a government study published Thursday, reported MSNBC-TV. For the full story, click here.
Editor’s Insight: This may be the best piece of news to emerge regarding the obesity challenge. New York City has taken a multi-faceted approach to the problem.
This report notes policy changes from 2003 to 2009 that might have contributed to the improvement include regulations to improve nutrition, increased physical activity time, and changes to cafeteria food, including switching from whole milk to 1 percent fat and skim milk. The food industry must continue to support efforts to educate children about nutrition. The industry must continue to provide financial support to these efforts and it must support government efforts as well. Obesity undermines the productivity of the nation’s work force and it contributes to increasing health care costs. 12-16-11 By Elliot Maras
