Handful of Cities, States See Drop in Childhood Obesity.

• Author: Bradford, Kate

The national obesity rate for children has leveled off but remains a serious health issue.

On average, obesity affects 18.5% of children from 2 to 19 years old. The National Institutes of Health reports that childhood obesity rates have doubled in the past 30 years among kids ages 2 to 5 and have nearly tripled among those over age 6.

Despite these broader trends, a few cities, counties and states have experienced declines. Mississippi, for example, reported an 11.6% decrease in obesity rates in 2013 among children in kindergarten through fifth grade following the creation of nutritional standards for food sold in school vending machines and the passage of the Healthy Students Act in 2007, among other efforts. Lincoln, Neb., achieved an 8% decline in childhood obesity rates after launching the public service campaign "Rethink Your Drink," which promoted healthy beverage options, and other citywide programs.

Complicated Condition

Many factors contribute to obesity, including genetics, metabolism, neighborhood design, sleep behaviors, adverse childhood experiences, and eating and physical activity habits, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity-related conditions are among the leading causes of preventable premature death.

Obesity is linked to a variety of diseases and conditions, including certain types of cancers, anxiety and depression, low self-esteem and social problems. Overweight or obese schoolkids also are more likely to be bullied.

Schools are a natural setting for improving physical health, and...