Many people are surprised to learn that a number of States have made progress in combating childhood obesity in recent years and have been able to hold steady or reduce the obesity rates in low-income pre-kindergarten children.

 

In fact, a recent CDC report showed only three states with an increase: 

 

Colorado, Tennessee and PENNSYLVANIA

 

 

 

 

Recognizing this troubling situation, the Pennsylvania State General Assembly passed a resolution in 2013 to create a public citizen Committee on Childhood Obesity and tasked the Joint State Government Commission to research the issue and complete a report by June 2014 on recommendations and suggestions for the Legislature.

 

The Pennsylvania Joint State Government Commission recommended promotion of breastfeeding and provision of breastfeeding support from IBCLCs, including consideration of licensure for IBCLCs,  and other measures to prevent childhood obesity.