Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Disparities in pediatric obesity in the United States
1Center for Human Nutrition, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. ywang@jhsph.edu
Insights
Childhood obesity in the U.S. has increased, with significant disparities among ethnic groups and regions. Native American children face the highest rates, while Asian children have the lowest, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Childhood obesity prevalence in the U.S. has risen significantly since the late 1970s.
- Body fatness measures indicate increased adiposity and central obesity among U.S. children over time.
- Existing data reveal complex, substantial disparities in obesity prevalence and trends across different groups and regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the disparities in the U.S. childhood obesity epidemic.
- To analyze trends in body fatness measures and their distribution over time.
- To identify specific population groups and regions disproportionately affected by childhood obesity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of recent, nationally representative data on childhood overweight and obesity.
- Examination of trends in body fatness measures, including body mass index and waist circumference.
- Stratification of data by ethnicity, age group, geographic region, and socioeconomic status.
Main Results:
- Native American children exhibit the highest obesity prevalence, while Asian children have the lowest.
- Preschool-aged children show lower obesity prevalence compared to older children.
- Significant regional variations exist, with some areas having twice the prevalence of others; low socioeconomic status is linked to obesity in specific groups, like white children.
Conclusions:
- The U.S. childhood obesity epidemic is characterized by significant and complex disparities.
- Targeted, vigorous interventions are crucial to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce obesity-related health inequities.
- Addressing the multifaceted etiology of obesity requires tailored strategies for diverse populations and regions.
Abstract:
This paper describes the disparities in the U.S. childhood obesity epidemic, mainly based on recent nationally representative data. The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased since the late 1970s; the over time shifts (changes) in distributions of various body fatness measures indicate that U.S. children have become fatter and the obese groups gained more body fat, especially more central obesity, as indicated by waist circumference. However, considerable between-group and regional disparities exist in the prevalence, fatness measures, and over time trends. The disparities and trends are complex, which reflects the complexity and dynamics in obesity etiology. Clearly, some population groups are affected more seriously than others. Native American children have the highest prevalence of obesity, whereas Asians have the lowest rate among all ethnic groups. Preschool age children have a lower obesity prevalence than older children. Young people in some states and cities are twice more likely to be overweight or obese than those living in other regions. Low-socioeconomic status is associated with obesity only among some population groups, e.g. white children and adolescents. Vigorous, effective interventions are needed to promote healthy lifestyles among U.S. young people and to reduce disparities in obesity.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
01:21Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
01:25Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
01:24Obesity
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children