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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Reduce the proportion of children and adolescents with obesity — NWS‑04 Infographic

This objective is a Leading Health Indicator (LHI). Learn about LHIs.

Status: Little or no detectable change

  Little or no detectable change

Most Recent Data:
19.7 percent (2017-20)

Target:
15.5 percent

Desired Direction:
Decrease desired

Baseline:
17.8 percent of children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 years had obesity in 2013-16

Obesity is common among children and adolescents in the United States across income levels. Childhood obesity is linked to a higher risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and other health conditions. Additionally, childhood obesity puts people at higher risk for obesity later in life. Due to various social, environmental, and economic factors, children with lower incomes experience disproportionately higher rates of obesity than children from families with higher incomes. Evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies that address social, environmental, and behavioral factors for childhood obesity — and account for the unique needs of families with lower incomes — can help address this complex public health priority.

In 2013–2016, 17.8 percent of children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 years had obesity.

Data Source:  National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), CDC/NCHS

Disparities in obesity rates among children and adolescents by family income: Highest/lowest rate ‡

In 2013–2016, children and adolescents in families with an income of less than 100 percent of poverty guidelines had the highest group rate of obesity (21.0 percent). Children and adolescents in families with an income of 400 percent or more of poverty guidelines (reference group) had the lowest group rate (12.2 percent).

The obesity rate among children and adolescents in families with an income of less than 100 percent of poverty guidelines was 72.6 percent higher than the rate among children and adolescents in families with an income of 400 percent or more of poverty guidelines (maximal rate ratio = 1.726). The difference between the highest and lowest group rates was 8.8 percentage points (maximal rate difference).

Learn about how we calculate disparities data.

Disparities in obesity rates among children and adolescents by family income: All groups ‡

In 2013–2016, children and adolescents in families with an income of 400 percent or more of poverty guidelines had the lowest group rate of obesity (12.2 percent).

  • The obesity rate among children and adolescents in families with an income between 200 and 399 percent of poverty guidelines was 38.8 percent higher than the lowest group rate.
  • The obesity rate among children and adolescents in families with an income between 100 and 199 percent of poverty guidelines was 70.1 percent higher than the lowest group rate.
  • The obesity rate among children and adolescents in families with an income of less than 100 percent of poverty guidelines was 72.6 percent higher than the lowest group rate.

Percentage of children and adolescents with obesity, 2013–2016

12.2% Family income of 400 percent or more of poverty guidelines
16.9% Family income between 200 and 399 percent of poverty guidelines
20.7% Family income between 100 and 199 percent of poverty guidelines
21.0% Family income of less than 100 percent of poverty guidelines

Find data for additional demographic groups.