Childhood Obesity Rates and Statistics

Children have become heavier in the past 30 years, the prevalence of childhood obesity has more than doubled among children ages 2 to 5, has nearly tripled among youth ages 6 to 11, and has more than tripled among adolescents ages 12 to 19.

 

This rate, though, remains alarmingly high. About 17% of American children ages 2 to 19, or 1 in 6,

are obese. Further, the latest data continue to suggest that overweight and obesity are having a

greater effect on minorities, including blacks and Hispanics.

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Health Problems Linked to Obesity

Obesity in childhood can add up to health problems—often for life. In adults, overweight and obesity are linked to increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes (high blood sugar), high blood pressure, certain cancers, and other chronic conditions. Research has shown that obese children are more likely to be overweight or obese as adults.

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Though rare in youth ages 12 to 19 years, type 2 diabetes is increasingly being seen in children and adolescents, particularly among minority communities. Moreover, the 2005-2006 NHANES data show that about 16% of these youth have pre-diabetes. In a recent national study, 58% of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were obese.