Excerpt
RAY SUAREZ (Newshour): There may be hope yet for bringing the national epidemic of obesity under control. At least the latest numbers on calories and fast food released today indicated possible progress.
For years, health officials have warned about Americans' growing girth. Now research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests the fight against fat may be having an effect. Among the findings, American children consumed fewer calories in 2010 than a decade before, seven percent less for boys, four percent less for girls. And for adults, fast food accounted for just over 11 percent of the calories consumed in 2010, down from nearly 13 percent in 2006.
The researchers acknowledge the changes are small and can't be fully explained. But public campaigns against obesity have intensified in recent years. Last September, for instance, New York City's Board of Health limited sugared drinks and sodas to 16 ounces or less. Mayor Michael Bloomberg praised the prohibition that takes effect Mar. 12th.
MAYOR MICHAEL BLOOMBERG, I- New York City: This is the single biggest step any city I think has ever taken to curb obesity, but certainly not the last step that lots of cities are going to take. And we believe that it will help save lives.
RAY SUAREZ: And, today, continuing her long-running Let's Move campaign, first lady Michelle Obama , along with Big Bird of "Sesame Street," issued new public service announcements encouraging kids to get active and eat healthy.
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