Obesity Trends in Children and Adolescents Remain a Challenge

Since 2003–2004, obesity rates have declined slightly in 2–5-year-olds but have remained constant in older children.

Analyses of obesity trends in U.S. children and adolescents through 2012 suggested that the increasing prevalence has stabilized or slowed (NEJM JW Pediatr Adolesc Med May 2014 and JAMA 2014; 311:806). Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, researchers examined obesity trends between 1988–1994 and 2013–2014 in 40,780 children and adolescents (age range, 2–19 years). Obesity was defined as body-mass index (BMI) ≥95th percentile for age and sex on CDC growth charts, and extreme obesity was defined as BMI ≥120%.

In 2013–2014, 17% of 7017 children and adolescents were obese and 6% were extremely obese. Among children aged 2–5 years, obesity rates increased from 7% in 1988–1994 to 14% in 2003–2004, and then decreas…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Obesity Trends in Children and Adolescents Remain a Challenge

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Reviewing Author