Severe Obesity Declining Among Low-Income Children
A new study suggests that 2009 changes to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) to encourage healthier food options has led to a drop in obesity for children in the program. The study published in JAMA Pediatrics finds that the number of obese children dropped by nearly 40,000 after a benefits change in 2009 to promote fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The researchers say the WIC changes led to reductions in fruit juice purchases, increases in healthy eating, and improved competence among WIC staff in providing counseling for overweight children.