Decline In Preschooler Obesity Tied To Fewer Purchases Of Junk Food

One reason childhood obesity rates have stalled and started to drop in recent years is the fact that parents of preschoolers are buying less junk food and sugary drinks, according to a U.S. study. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that obesity rates among preschoolers (aged two to five) have slid from 12.1 percent to 8.4 percent. To find out why, the researchers analyzed food and beverage purchase data between 2000 and 2011 from 43,000 U.S. households with preschool-age children. They identified the top 20 foods and beverages purchased per capita, finding declines especially in milk, soft drinks, juices and juice drinks, and grain-based desserts, all of which include higher calorie solid fats and added sugars.