Changes in state-specific childhood obesity and overweight prevalence in the United States from 2003 to 2007

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Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

Gopal K Singh1, Michael D Kogan, Peter C van Dyck

  • 1US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, 5600 Fishers Ln, Rockville, MD 20857, USA. gsingh@hrsa.gov

Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|July 7, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity and overweight prevalence increased nationwide between 2003 and 2007, with significant state-level variations. Addressing geographic disparities offers potential for substantial reductions in pediatric obesity rates.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Childhood Obesity Research

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern in the United States.
  • Prevalence rates have shown concerning trends in recent decades.
  • Understanding geographic variations is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze state-specific changes in childhood obesity and overweight prevalence from 2003 to 2007.
  • To identify geographic disparities in pediatric weight status across the US.
  • To explore factors contributing to these observed variations.

Main Methods:

  • Temporal cross-sectional analysis using National Survey of Children's Health data (2003 and 2007).
  • Inclusion of 46,707 children (2003) and 44,101 children (2007) aged 10-17 years.
  • Bivariate and logistic regression analyses to examine prevalence and odds of obesity and overweight.

Main Results:

  • In 2007, 16.4% of US children were obese and 31.6% were overweight.
  • Significant state-level disparities were observed, with Mississippi highest and Oregon lowest for obesity.
  • Obesity prevalence increased by 10% overall (18% in females) between 2003-2007, with notable state-specific increases and decreases.

Conclusions:

  • Substantial geographic disparities in childhood obesity and overweight prevalence persist in the US.
  • An upward trend in prevalence was noted in several states between 2003 and 2007.
  • Targeting these geographic disparities presents a significant opportunity to reduce overall childhood obesity rates.
Abstract

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