Obesity dips in Chicago children, rates still high

CHICAGO — There’s a glimmer of hope in new data on obesity in Chicago kids.

The percentage of Chicago youngsters aged 3 to 7 who are obese fell to 22 percent in 2008, from 24 percent in 2003.

That’s according to the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children. The consortium’s Dr. Adam Becker says the 2 percent drop represents about 700 fewer obese children.

Still, obesity affects about twice as many Chicago kids that age, compared with the national average.

Also, 28 percent of Chicago children aged 10 to 13 are obese, compared with almost 20 percent for kids age 6 to 11 nationally.

Becker says community efforts must continue to reinforce healthy behaviors and environments for obesity rates to trend the right way.