WASHINGTON – The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced earlier this week a significant decline in obesity rates among children aged 2 to 5 years.

According to the CDC, while overall obesity rates remains unchanged, obesity prevalence among 2 to 5 year olds went from nearly 14% in 2003-2004 to just over 8% in 2011-2012, a drop of 43%.

The data was gathered as a part of the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

“We continue to see signs that, for some children in this country, the scales are tipping. This report comes on the heels of previous CDC data that found a significant decline in obesity prevalence among low-income children aged 2 to 4 years participating in federal nutrition programs,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H.  “We’ve also seen signs from communities around the country with obesity prevention programs including Anchorage, Alaska, Philadelphia, New York City and King County, Washington. This confirms that at least for kids, we can turn the tide and begin to reverse the obesity epidemic.”

The CDC was unable to pinpoint the reasons for the obesity rate decline. It speculated that improved nutrition and physical activity at childcare centers may have contributed to the reversal, as could have the decrease in consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among youth in recent years. Yet another possible factor might be the increased rate of breastfeeding in the United States, which helps stave off obesity.

“I am thrilled at the progress we’ve made over the last few years in obesity rates among our youngest Americans,” said Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States of America. “With the participation of kids, parents, and communities in Let’s Move! these last four years,  healthier habits are beginning to become the new norm.”