top of page

DEFINITION

What Is Obesity?

Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile of the CDC sex-specific BMI-for-age growth charts.

 

Source: CDC

14.7M

For children and adolescents aged 2-19 years old in 2017-2020, obesity affected about 14.7 million

12.7%

In 2017-2020, the prevalence of obesity was 12.7% among children aged 2-5 years old

22.2%

In 2017-2020, the prevalence of obesity was 22.2% among children aged 12-19 years old

20.7%

In 2017-2020, the prevalence of obesity was 20.7% among children aged 6-11 years old

About Childhood Obesity:

A condition in which a child is significantly overweight for his or her age and height.

​

Childhood obesity can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

​

There may be no symptoms other than weight that's above normal.

Resources

"Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States, putting children and adolescents at risk for poor health. Obesity prevalence among children and adolescents is still too high.

​

For children and adolescents aged 2-19 years in 2017-2020:

  • The prevalence of obesity was 19.7% and affected about 14.7 million children and adolescents.

​​

  • Obesity prevalence was 12.7% among 2- to 5-year-olds, 20.7% among 6- to 11-year-olds, and 22.2% among 12- to 19-year-olds. Childhood obesity is also more common among certain populations.

​​

  • Obesity prevalence was 26.2% among Hispanic children, 24.8% among non-Hispanic Black children, 16.6% among non-Hispanic White children, and 9.0% among non-Hispanic Asian children.

​​

  • Obesity-related conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems such as asthma and sleep apnea, and joint problems."

 

Read More: "Childhood Obesity Facts" by the CDC

Where To Go For Treatment

Promoting healthier diet and exercise habits for the whole family is a key strategy for helping the child achieve a healthy weight.

Find a Doctor or Organization Near You!

PLEASE NOTE:
The MircleKid website is not providing any treatment information. We are only providing information about medical conditions.

 

Treatment advice needs to be provided only by YOUR treating physician.

bottom of page