Obesity Rates in Children

According to Trust for America's Health, as of 2009 "the percentage of obese or overweight children is at or above 30 percent in 30 states." Rates of childhood obesity were at about 18 percent in 2009. Being obese means that a child's body has too much fat, with a body mass index in the 95th percentile or higher. Divide weight in pounds by height in inches squared, and multiply the result by 703, to determine a child's BMI.

Statistics

Childhood obesity rates have risen dramatically over time. According to "New York Times," 5 percent of American children were obese in the 1960s and 1970s. "The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5 percent in 1980 to 19.6 percent in 2008," states the Centers for Disease Control. "The prevalence of obesity among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years increased from 5.0 percent to 18.1 percent." In those 30 years, childhood obesity more than tripled. As of 2009, Mississippi had the highest childhood obesity rate in the United States, with 44.4 percent of children being overweight or obese, according to Trust for America's Health.

Individual Groups

In terms of ethnic differences in childhood obesity rates, non-Hispanic whites have the lowest percentages. African-American and Hispanic children have higher obesity rates than white children do. Obesity rates also vary based on age, with children between the ages of 2 and 5 being much less likely to be obese than those ages 12 to 19.

Possible Plateau

The Centers for Disease Control indicates that obesity rates in children may have stayed the same since about 2000. This might indicate that the rates have stopped increasing so rapidly.

Effects

High obesity rates in children yield numerous damaging health effects. Among them are increased risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol problems, bone and joint problems, liver disease, gall bladder disease and depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control, "70 percent of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease." Many of these diseases were not nearly as prevalent in children before obesity rates increased so much. Even more serious problems can develop into adulthood as a result of childhood obesity, including heart disease and stroke. Emotional effects include low self-esteem as well as rejection and teasing by peers.

Solutions

Lifestyle plays an essential role in reducing obesity rates in children. A nutritionally dense diet, one that includes quality protein, vegetables and fruits, and that reduces or eliminates fast food, junk food, soda and processed food, is imperative. Children should also eat portions of food that are not too large. Less sedentary routines, little television and frequent exercise are other critical components. Just as obesity rates in children have risen dramatically, these rates have also skyrocketed in adults. Parents modeling healthy weights, eating habits and exercise routines can accomplish much toward encouraging children to follow suit.