Childhood Obesity Rates Show Improvement

September 8, 2014

According to  CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011-2012 childhood obesity rates among ages 2-19 years old have remained unchanged since 2003-2004. However, among toddlers aged 2-5 years obesity rates have declined. The 2-5 year age group also has a lower rate of obesity as compared to other age groups.

  • Approximately 17% (or 12.7 million) of children and adolescents aged 2–19 years had obesity.
  • The prevalence of obesity among children aged 2 to 5 years decreased significantly from 13.9% in 2003-2004 to 8.4% in 2011-2012.
  • In 2011-2012, 8.4% of 2- to 5-year-olds had obesity compared with 17.7% of 6- to 11-year-olds and 20.5% of 12- to 19-year-olds.

Childhood obesity can lead to other health issues such as heart disease, Type II Diabetes, asthma, and sleep apnea. There is also the increase risk that children will suffer from psychosoical issues such as social discrimination.

Here a some ways parents and guardians can prevent childhood overweight and obesity:

  • Encourage healthy eating habits by providing more fruits and vegetables, serving reasonably sized portions, limiting sugar-sweetened drinks, and encouraging increased water consumption.
  • Look for ways to make favorite dishes healthier by adding more vegetables to recipes, using applesauce instead of oil when baking, and grill or oven roast food instead of frying.
  • Help kids stay active by limiting sedentary time and encouraging play activities such as playing tag, jumping rope, and dancing.

Are your kids at risk? Child & Teen BMI calculator (not diagnostic tool)

Childhood obesity prevention is not only the responsibility of parents. There are steps that both states and communities can take to help continue the improvements seen in childhood obesity rates. While rates are improving, childhood obesity rates are higher among lower income families. States and communities can assist parents in having access to healthier options for their children.

  • Assess the retail food environment to better understand the differences that exist in accessibility to healthier foods.
  • Provide incentives to supermarkets and farmers' markets to establish in low-income areas. Encourage existing businesses to sell healthier food options.
  • Expand school programs to include the use of local fruits and vegetables in lunches.
  • Ensure children have safe neighborhood parks and playgrounds to play.

Photo Credit: Lighttruth cc

Source: Centers for Disease Control. Childhood Overweight and Obesity. n.d. 08 10 2014.