New research suggests childhood obesity in California levels off once a child starts school.
The UC Davis study said this has contributed to a slowing of obesity rates among school children in the state. Author Dr. William Bommer said the study is proof that recently adopted school standards for exercise and eating are effective.
"We felt that we had made significant improvements," said Bommer. "We had not reversed it, but we at least reduced and stopped the increase in obesity that was prevalent through the decades prior to that."
The study looked at more than 6 million students in California between 2003 and 2008.
Bommer said more progress could be made by addressing obesity before kids start school, and by extending nutrition and activity practices to off-school hours.
