There is some good news in Michigan’s battle with obesity.
Fewer Michigan children qualify as obese.
More than 30% of Michiganders are considered obese. Michigan ranks as the 5th fattest state in the union.
But there may be hope for the future.
A new Centers for Disease Control report finds a slight decline in obesity rates for “low-income” pre-school children in Michigan.
The rate dropped from 13.9% to 13.2 % between 2008 and 2011.
Angela Minicuci is with the Michigan Department of Community Health. She credits state programs promoting better nutrition and physical activity for part of the reduced obesity rate.
“When we are seeing that children are healthier in the pre-school ages…when their habits are really beginning to form and take hold….that’s a very positive sign for the future of their entire health,” says Minicuci.
Michigan is among 18 states and Puerto Rico to post a lower pre-school obesity rate in the CDC report.
http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/childhoodobesity/
