School Lunch Rules Help Curb Obesity in Calif., Other States

Upgrades in federal nutrition standards at U.S. schools have helped reduce childhood obesity rates in several cities and states, including California, according to a report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Center for Science in the Public Interest. The report found that obesity and overweight rates for California children in fifth, seventh and ninth grades decreased from 38.44% in 2005 to 38% in 2010.

• "Childhood Obesity Declines in Several States, Cities" (Hellmich, USA Today, 10/24).