Obesity: "If there is a single explanation for these successes, no one has identified it yet"

http://www.registerguard.com/web/opinion/29167752-47/obesity-oregon-childhood-percent-rate.html.csp

EDITORIAL: Turning point on obesity?

A few cities join Oregon in reporting lower rates

Last week the New York Times reported that public health officials in a number of communities around the country now find themselves scratching their heads for the same reasons. The obesity rate fell 3 percent in Los Angeles and 5.5 percent in New York City between 2007 and 2011. The rate is down in places from Anchorage, Alaska, to Kearney, Neb. It’s down among Hispanic children in El Paso, Texas, and among black and Hispanic children in Philadelphia.

If there is a single explanation for these successes, no one has identified it yet. It seems more likely that progress to reduce childhood obesity depends on a variety of factors, none of which makes a big difference on its own but several of which can combine to create an environment less conducive to weight gain among children: Removing soda pop vending machines from schools. Encouraging convenience stores to stock healthier snack foods. First lady Michelle Obama’s role as an advocate for good nutrition. Ensuring that children can participate in exercise and fitness programs. Anything to improve children’s diets and get them moving.