WASHINGTON - Michelle Obama says a sharp decline in obesity rates for some youngsters shows that small diet and lifestyle changes are making a difference.

A report issued Feb. 25 in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that obesity among children ages 2 to 5 dropped to 8 percent from 14 percent a decade ago.

The findings aren't enough to say the nation has turned the corner. But the first lady and others who are working to reduce childhood obesity see progress.

Mrs. Obama says in a statement Feb. 26 that there's still a long way to go before the problem is solved. But she adds that the findings make her more confident that today's children will have bright and healthy futures.

The first lady heads a nationwide campaign to combat childhood obesity.