The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation issued a statement in response to federal reports that show that U.S. is still struggling with an obesity crisis. According to RWJF, the report also revealed a glimmer of progress.
Despite persisting high adult obesity rates, the RWJF statement highlights the fact that the obesity rate is declining for the youngest children, and has plateaued for all children recently.
"This 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," wrote Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, MD, president and CEO of the RWJF, and author of the statement.
Still, the foundation pointed out how much work is still to be done to continue to address the obesity crisis and the inequities that lead black and Hispanic teenagers and adults to experience higher obesity rates than other populations.
"There are no easy solutions, or quick fixes, to these problems. To change policies, and lifestyles, requires a long term commitment," wrote Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey . "That's why [RWJF] pledged an additional $500 million in 2015 to reverse the epidemic of childhood obesity in America."
The money will go toward improving children's access to healthier foods, boosting education efforts about the importance of a physically active lifestyle and advancing strategies that help eliminate health disparities.
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