National Obesity Statistics and Facts (According to www.CDC.gov/obesity/)

Obesity rates among all children in the United States

(Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey)

• Approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese.
• Since 1980, obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has almost tripled.
• There are significant racial and ethnic disparities in obesity prevalence among U.S. children and adolescents. In 2007—2008, Hispanic boys, aged 2 to 19 years,were significantly more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic white boys, and non-Hispanic black girls were significantly more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic white girls.

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What are the consequences of childhood obesity?

Health risks now

• Childhood obesity can have a harmful effect on the body in a variety of ways. Obese children are more likely to have–
  • High blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In one study, 70% of obese children had at least one CVD risk factor, and 39% had two or more.
  • Increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
  • Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea, and asthma.
  • Joint problems and musculoskeletal discomfort.
  • Fatty liver disease, gallstones, and gastro-esophageal reflux (i.e., heartburn).
  • Obese children and adolescents have a greater risk of social and psychological problems, such as discrimination and poor self-esteem, which can continue into adulthood.

Health risks later

• Obese children are more likely to become obese adults.
• Adult obesity is associated with a number of serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.1
• If children are overweight, obesity in adulthood is likely to be more severe.

Washington State Department of Health Statistics (http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/nutritionpa/facts_and_figures/default.htm):

• In 2010, 11 percent of Grade 8 and 12 students, and 10 percent of Grade 10 students were obese based on their reported body mass index. Sixteen percent of Grade 8 students and 15 percent of Grade 10 and 14 percent of Grade 12 students were overweight.
• In 2010, 61 percent of Grade 8 students, 29 percent of Grade 10 students, and 24 percent of Grade 12 students reported that they participated in a physical education class every day during an average school week.
• In 2010, about 52 percent of Grade 8 students, 50 percent of Grade 10 students, and 51 percent of Grade 12 students reported either watching television or playing video games three or more hours on an average school day.
• In 2010, 11 percent of Grade 6 students, 13 percent of Grade 8 students, 12 percent of Grade 10 students, and 13 percent of Grade 12 students reported drinking two or more sodas on the previous day.

The site also breaks down statistics by county.

• Snohomish County: http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/diabetes/publications/2010-profiles/Snohomish-10.pdf
• King County: http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/diabetes/publications/2010-profiles/King-10.pdf
• Pierce County: http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/diabetes/publications/2010-profiles/Pierce-10.pdf Close

The State of Washington's Children report: http://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/160-183-HYS-AnalyticReport2010.pdf (very good report.. also breaks stats down by economic status, ethnicity, etc.)

• 19% of children ages 6-11yrs are obese in WA
• 14% of children ages 2-5yrs are obese
• 17% of youth 12-19 years are obese
• 2/3 of American adults are obese
• 1/4 children in 8th, 10th & 12th grade are obese
• 30% of 8th graders reported they do not take PE at all

Healthy Youth Survey Results: https://www.askhys.net/PDF_Output/HYS92_Public516604209999999.PDF