On November 9, UCLA researchers released the results of a new study on childhood obesity. It noted that California is gaining ground in the battle; however, successes are uneven, with the majority of the state's counties still registering increases in obesity rates among school-age children. According to the study, "A Patchwork of Progress: Changes in Overweight and Obesity Among California 5th , 7th and 9th Graders, 2005–2010," prepared by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and the California Center for Public Health Advocacy (CCPHA), the percentage of overweight and obese children in the state dropped 1.1% from 2005 to 2010. Unfortunately, however, 38% of children are still affected: a rate nearly three times higher than it was 30 years ago, when the obesity epidemic began. Of more concern, noted lead author of the study, UCLA's Susan Babey, Ph.D., is that improvements are not being seen statewide. She noted, "Children's health is still at risk in a significant number of counties. We found that 31 of California's 58 counties experienced an increase in childhood overweight over the five-year period from 2005 to 2010. We hope this county-by-county analysis will help community leaders pinpoint and take action in counties in the greatest danger."
The highest rates in the state were found in Imperial (46.9%), Colusa (45.7%), Del Norte (45.2%) and Monterey (44.6%t) counties. Two of those counties, Del Norte and Colusa, also had the dubious distinction of having the highest increases over the last five years (16.2% and 13.3%, respectively). Marin County, with 24.9% of children overweight or obese, had the lowest level in the state. However, the Marin County rate, historically the lowest in the state, has grown 5.5% since 2005.
The study describes both the health and economic repercussions of elevated obesity rates. According to the study, children who are overweight or obese often grow up to be obese adults with increased risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and some cancers. Furthermore, note the study authors, California spends more public and private money on the health consequences of obesity than any other state: more than $21 billion annually. In 2004, California began implementing a series of state laws banning sugary drinks and junk food from public school campuses. That, along with other local and statewide policies addressing the availability, marketing and promotion of unhealthy foods and an increased emphasis on healthier food and expanding opportunities for physical activity, may be contributing to the statewide improvements revealed in this study.
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