CDC: Obesity Rates Steady for Children, Up Slightly Among Adults

The national childhood obesity rate held steady at 17 percent during 2013-14, where it has remained for a decade, while the national adult rate rose from 32 percent to 38 percent over the same time period, according to new data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey program released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In a statement, Risa-Lavizzo-Mourey, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation , said that “the nation continues to struggle with an obesity crisis” but also noted the leveling off of the national childhood rate, as well as lower rates among children ages 2-5, “reinforces our confidence that America’s children are moving toward a healthier weight, and that bodes well for the long term health of our nation.”

Senate Bill Would Change Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program to Allow Frozen, Canned Produce

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., has introduced the Fruit and Vegetable Access for Children Act (S.2243), a bill that would make canned, dried, frozen, and pureed fruits and vegetables available via the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture administers FFVP, which provides free fresh fruits and vegetables to eligible elementary schools with high enrollment of students who receive free or reduced-price school meals. 

Baltimore Implements Nutrition Guidelines for City Vending Machines

Baltimore has fully implemented updated nutrition standards covering vending machines at city-owned facilities such as libraries, community centers, parks, pools, museums, and skating rinks. Among other requirements, the standards require that at least 50 percent of foods offered meet thresholds for saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium, while all beverages meet calorie limits.  

Food Brands That Market to Children Also Target Parents

Foods and beverages that are advertised on children’s television channels are also widely advertised to adults, according to a study published in Pediatrics. Senior study author Diane Gilbert-Diamond said “this marketing strategy consists of a one-two punch, with the children’s ads aiming to increase the likelihood of a purchase request from the child, and the parent advertising aiming to undermine the parent’s ability to say ‘no’ to the request.”

Heart Disease at Age 8? Researchers Find Troubling Signs in Obese Children

The Washington Post, Brady Dennis, 11/10/2015

The imaging tests left little room for doubt. They showed thickened heart muscles and increased muscle mass in the left ventricle — both signs of heart disease. But the troubling scans didn't belong to ailing adults. They belonged to obese children, some as young as 8.

Upcoming Events

Who’s Leading the Leading Health Indicators?
Nov. 19, 2015
12:00-1:00pm ET

Hosted by Healthy People 2020, this webinar will examine a Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative in King County, Wash., that aims to prevent obesity by promoting healthy eating and physical activity. Register for the webinar.

FDA’s Menu Labeling Requirements: What Nurses Need to Know
Nov. 19, 2015
12:00 pm ET

Hosted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, this webinar will help nurses to make the most informed, healthful menu choices when eating out at restaurants for themselves, but also to educate their patients. Register for the webinar.

#FoodFri Tweetchat: What’s Driving Snacking Habits, and How to Change Them
Nov. 20, 2015
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET

Hosted by @MomsRising & @CSPI, this tweetchat will explore Americans’ snack habits and share ideas for healthier snacking.