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Obesity Trends In Children

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Obesity Trends In Children

One of the greatest health concerns affecting our children is the epidemic of obesity
and overweight. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that among young people, the prevalence of overweight decreased for those aged 2-5 years, from 13.5% in 2003-2004 to 8.4% in 2011-2012 (1). However, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has remained fairly stable among youth 2-19 at around 17% — a number still troublingly high. No one group has escaped the epidemic of obesity; it transcends across gender, age, racial and ethnic groups. The prevalence of overweight or at risk of overweight from the 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is listed below.

National Health-E Statistics

Age 1963-1970 2007-2008
(2)
2009-2010 (3) 2011-2012
(1)
2-5 years <5% 10.4% 12.1% 8.4%
6-11 years 4.2% 19.6% 18.0% 17.7%
12-19 years 4.6% 18.1% 18.4% 20.5%
Total <5% 16.9% 16.9% 16.9%

 

  1. Ogden, CL, et al. Prevalence of Childhood and Adult Obesity in the United States, 2011-2012. JAMA 2014; 311(8):806-814. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.732.
  2. Flegal, KM, et al. Prevalence of High Body Mass Index in US Children and Adolescents, 2007-2008. JAMA 2010; 303(3):242-249. doi: 10.1001/jama.2009.2012
  3. Ogden, CL, et al. Prevalence of Obesity and Trends in Body Mass Index Among US Children and Adolescents, 1999-2010. JAMA 2012; 307(5):483-490. doi: 10.1001/jama.2012.40

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About the Author

Picture of Lucille Beseler, MS, RD, LD/N, CDE

Lucille Beseler, MS, RD, LD/N, CDE

Lucille is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist and a Certified Diabetes Educator in South Florida. She founded the Family Nutrition Center of South Florida in 1991 with a vision to improve the nutritional health of families and children. As an author, professional speaker, licensed nutritionist and registered dietitian she has reached many.

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