Between 2015 and 2018, obesity rates in U.S. children and adolescents stood at 19.3 and 20.9 percent, respectively. This is a noteworthy increase compared to the percentages seen between 1988 and 1994.

U.S. high school obesity rates

Roughly 18 percent of black, as well as Hispanic students in the United States, were obese between 2016 and 2017. Male obesity rates were noticeably higher than those of female students for each of the ethnicities during the measured period. For example, about 22 percent of male Hispanic high school students were obese, compared to 14 percent of female students. The American states with the highest number of obese high school students in 2019 included Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas, respectively. Mississippi had a high school student obesity rate of over 23 percent that year.

Physically inactive Americans

Adults from Mississippi and Arkansas were also reported to be some of the least physically active people in the United States in 2018. When surveyed, over 30 percent of adults from Kentucky and Arkansas had not exercised within the preceding 30 days. The national physical inactivity average stood at approximately 26 percent that year.

In 2021-2022, Mississippi topped the ranking of states with the highest share of children/adolescents between 6 and 17 years of age who were obese. This statistic illustrates the obesity rates among children/adolescents between 6 and 17 years of age in the United States in 2021-2022, by state.

United States US: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 6.900 % in 2012. This records an increase from the previous number of 6.400 % for 2009. United States US: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 6.900 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2012, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8.700 % in 2005 and a record low of 5.100 % in 1991. United States US: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of overweight, female, is the percentage of girls under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations above the median for the international reference population of the corresponding age as established by the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Estimates of overweight children are also from national survey data. Once considered only a high-income economy problem, overweight children have become a growing concern in developing countries. Research shows an association between childhood obesity and a high prevalence of diabetes, respiratory disease, high blood pressure, and psychosocial and orthopedic disorders (de Onis and Blössner 2003). Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death, and disability in adulthood. In addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties and increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and psychological effects. Children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate nutrition before birth and in infancy and early childhood. Many of these children are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, calorie-dense, micronutrient-poor foods, which tend be lower in cost than more nutritious foods. These dietary patterns, in conjunction with low levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity, while under-nutrition continues

In 2017-2020, almost 42 percent of adults aged 20 years and older were considered obese. This is a significant increase from a rate of 30.5 percent in the period 1999-2000. This statistic shows the percentage of children and adults in the U.S. who were obese in 1999-2000 and 2017-2020.

United States US: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 6.000 % in 2012. This records a decrease from the previous number of 7.800 % for 2009. United States US: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 7.000 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2012, with 5 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8.100 % in 2005 and a record low of 5.400 % in 1991. United States US: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of overweight children is the percentage of children under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations above the median for the international reference population of the corresponding age as established by the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child malnutrition estimates (JME). Aggregation is based on UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank harmonized dataset (adjusted, comparable data) and methodology.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Estimates of overweight children are also from national survey data. Once considered only a high-income economy problem, overweight children have become a growing concern in developing countries. Research shows an association between childhood obesity and a high prevalence of diabetes, respiratory disease, high blood pressure, and psychosocial and orthopedic disorders (de Onis and Blössner 2003). Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death, and disability in adulthood. In addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties and increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and psychological effects. Children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate nutrition before birth and in infancy and early childhood. Many of these children are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, calorie-dense, micronutrient-poor foods, which tend be lower in cost than more nutritious foods. These dietary patterns, in conjunction with low levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity, while under-nutrition continues

Analysis of ‘🧑 Childhood Obesity in the US’ provided by Analyst-2 (analyst-2.ai), based on source dataset retrieved from https://www.kaggle.com/yamqwe/childhood-obesity-in-the-use on 13 February 2022.

--- Dataset description provided by original source is as follows ---

About this dataset

Childhood Obesity in the United States (1971-2014)

data source: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_child_13_14/obesity_child_13_14.htm

Data Files

1. child_ob_gender.csv
2. obesity_child_age

Visualizations

Historical Childhood Obesity Rate by Gender

Boys tended to suffer from obesity at a higher rate than girls during 2000 through 2010. More recently however, between 2011 and 2014, boys' and girls' obesity rates converged as a result of an increase for girls and decrease for boys.

For both genders, obesity rates grew rapidly during the last two decades of the 20th century, but thankfully growth rates have lessened in recent years.

http://i.imgur.com/oyWAjys.png" alt="Imgur" style="">

Historical Childhood Obesity Rate by Age

The data show that older children have been afflicted by the obesity epidemic at a higher rate than very young children.

http://i.imgur.com/7W2Bsz3.png" alt="Imgur" style="">

This dataset was created by Health and contains around 100 samples along with Se, Percent Obese, technical information and other features such as: - Gender - Time - and more.

How to use this dataset

• Analyze Age in relation to Se
• Study the influence of Percent Obese on Gender
• More datasets

Acknowledgements

If you use this dataset in your research, please credit Health

Start A New Notebook!

--- Original source retains full ownership of the source dataset ---

This statistic shows the rate of obesity amongst children and adolescents in the United States in 2008, as differentiated by the highest household education level. In 2008, 29 percent of children aged 6 to 11 who lived in a household where nobody had completed high school, were obese.

The pediatric obesity management market is experiencing robust growth, driven by rising childhood obesity rates globally and increasing awareness of associated health risks. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $15 billion, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2033, projecting a market value exceeding $25 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors: an increase in sedentary lifestyles among children, changing dietary habits with higher consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks, and a lack of access to adequate healthcare and nutritional education in many regions. Furthermore, advancements in obesity management treatments, including pharmaceuticals, bariatric surgery (where applicable and ethically sound), and technological solutions for weight management and monitoring, are further accelerating market expansion. Significant market segmentation exists based on treatment type (pharmaceutical interventions, behavioral therapies, surgical procedures, and digital health solutions), age group, and geographic region. North America currently holds the largest market share due to high obesity prevalence and advanced healthcare infrastructure. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period due to rising disposable incomes, increased awareness of obesity-related complications, and expanding healthcare sectors. Restraints to market growth include high treatment costs, limited access to specialized care in developing countries, and concerns regarding long-term efficacy and potential side effects of certain interventions. Nevertheless, the market's overall trajectory indicates strong potential for continued expansion, with a focus on developing affordable and accessible solutions tailored to diverse populations.

In the United States, the rate of obesity is lower among college graduates compared to those who did not graduate from college. For example, in 2023, around 27 percent of college graduates were obese, while 36 percent of those with some college or technical school were obese. At that time, rates of obesity were highest among those with less than a high school education, at around 37 percent. Income and obesity As with education level, there are also differences in rates of obesity in the United States based on income. Adults in the U.S. with an annual income of 75,000 U.S. dollars or more have the lowest rates of obesity, with around 29 percent of this population obese in 2023. On the other hand, those earning less than 15,000 U.S. dollars per year had the highest rates of obesity at that time, at 37 percent. One reason for this disparity may be a lack of access to fresh food among those earning less, as cheap food in the United States tends to be unhealthier. What is the most obese state? As of 2023, the states with the highest rates of obesity were West Virginia, Mississippi, and Arkansas. At that time, around 41 percent of adults in West Virginia were obese. The states with the lowest rates of obesity were Colorado, Hawaii, and Massachusetts. Still, around a quarter of adults in Colorado were obese in 2023. West Virginia and Mississippi are also the states with the highest rates of obesity among high school students. Children with obesity are more likely to be obese as adults and are at increased risk of health conditions such as asthma, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea.

Proportion of children aged 4 to 5 years classified as living with obesity. For population monitoring purposes, a child’s body mass index (BMI) is classed as overweight or obese where it is on or above the 85th centile or 95th centile, respectively, based on the British 1990 (UK90) growth reference data. The population monitoring cut offs for overweight and obesity are lower than the clinical cut offs (91st and 98th centiles for overweight and obesity) used to assess individual children; this is to capture children in the population in the clinical overweight or obesity BMI categories and those who are at high risk of moving into the clinical overweight or clinical obesity categories. This helps ensure that adequate services are planned and delivered for the whole population.

Rationale There is concern about the rise of childhood obesity and the implications of obesity persisting into adulthood. The risk of obesity in adulthood and risk of future obesity-related ill health are greater as children get older. Studies tracking child obesity into adulthood have found that the probability of children who are overweight or living with obesity becoming overweight or obese adults increases with age[1,2,3]. The health consequences of childhood obesity include: increased blood lipids, glucose intolerance, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, increases in liver enzymes associated with fatty liver, exacerbation of conditions such as asthma and psychological problems such as social isolation, low self-esteem, teasing and bullying.

It is important to look at the prevalence of weight status across all weight/BMI categories to understand the whole picture and the movement of the population between categories over time.

The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence have produced guidelines to tackle obesity in adults and children - http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG43.

1 Guo SS, Chumlea WC. Tracking of body mass index in children in relation to overweight in adulthood. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1999;70(suppl): 145S-8S.

2 Serdula MK, Ivery D, Coates RJ, Freedman DS, Williamson DF, Byers T. Do obese children become obese adults? A review of the literature. Preventative Medicine 1993;22:167-77.

3 Starc G, Strel J. Tracking excess weight and obesity from childhood to young adulthood: a 12-year prospective cohort study in Slovenia. Public Health Nutrition 2011;14:49-55.

Definition of numerator Number of children in reception (aged 4 to 5 years) with a valid height and weight measured by the NCMP with a BMI classified as living with obesity or severe obesity (BMI on or above 95th centile of the UK90 growth reference).

Definition of denominator Number of children in reception (aged 4 to 5 years) with a valid height and weight measured by the NCMP.

Caveats Data for local authorities may not match that published by NHS England which are based on the local authority of the school attended by the child or based on the local authority that submitted the data. There is a strong correlation between deprivation and child obesity prevalence and users of these data may wish to examine the pattern in their local area. Users may wish to produce thematic maps and charts showing local child obesity prevalence. When presenting data in charts or maps it is important, where possible, to consider the confidence intervals (CIs) around the figures. This analysis supersedes previously published data for small area geographies and historically published data should not be compared to the latest publication. Estimated data published in this fingertips tool is not comparable with previously published data due to changes in methods over the different years of production. These methods changes include; moving from estimated numbers at ward level to actual numbers; revision of geographical boundaries (including ward boundary changes and conversion from 2001 MSOA boundaries to 2011 boundaries); disclosure control methodology changes. The most recently published data applies the same methods across all years of data. There is the potential for error in the collection, collation and interpretation of the data (bias may be introduced due to poor response rates and selective opt out of children with a high BMI for age/sex which it is not possible to control for). There is not a good measure of response bias and the degree of selective opt out, but participation rates (the proportion of eligible school children who were measured) may provide a reasonable proxy; the higher the participation rate, the less chance there is for selective opt out, though this is not a perfect method of assessment. Participation rates for each local authority are available in the https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/national-child-measurement-programme/data#page/4/gid/8000022/ of this profile.

About a fifth of Hispanic high school students in the United States were overweight between 2016 and 2017, making it the ethnic group with the highest percentage of overweight high school students. Female obesity rates were considerably higher than those of male students for the black and Hispanic groups during the measured period.

Overweight and obese U.S. adults

U.S. overweight rates in adults differed slightly from those of U.S. high school students in 2017. That year, the African American population had the highest overweight and obesity rates of any race or ethnicity, closely followed by American Indians/Alaska Natives and Hispanics. Over 73 percent of all African American adults in the country were either overweight or obese. In 2018, the highest rates of obesity among African Americans could be found in states, such as Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee.

Overweight youth worldwide

Many children and adolescents in other countries, such as New Zealand, Greece, and Italy, also struggle with overweight and obesity. In New Zealand, for example, over forty percent of boys and girls, up to age 19, were overweight or obese in 2016. In the same year, less than ten percent of Indian children and teenagers were overweight.

Pediatric Obesity Management Market Outlook

The global pediatric obesity management market size was valued at approximately USD 4.3 billion in 2023, and it is anticipated to reach around USD 8.9 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% during the forecast period. This robust growth is driven by an increasing prevalence of pediatric obesity worldwide and a growing awareness of the associated health risks and long-term consequences.

One of the primary growth factors of the pediatric obesity management market is the rising prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents. As lifestyles become more sedentary and diets shift towards high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, the rates of childhood obesity are surging across the globe. This alarming trend has led to a heightened demand for effective management and intervention strategies, including lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and surgical options. Furthermore, increasing awareness among parents and caregivers about the health risks associated with pediatric obesity, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and psychological issues, is fueling the market's growth.

Another significant growth driver is the advancement and availability of medical interventions and technologies for obesity management. Innovations in surgical techniques, such as minimally invasive procedures, and the development of new pharmacological treatments have expanded the range of options available for managing pediatric obesity. Additionally, the integration of digital health tools and telemedicine solutions, which provide remote monitoring and personalized treatment plans, is enhancing the effectiveness and accessibility of obesity management programs. These technological advancements are contributing to the market's expansion by offering more comprehensive and tailored approaches to treatment.

Government initiatives and policies aimed at combating childhood obesity further bolster the market's growth. Various countries are implementing national strategies and programs to reduce obesity rates among children, which include public health campaigns, school-based interventions, and regulations on food marketing targeted at children. These initiatives not only raise awareness but also create a supportive environment for preventive and remedial measures, thereby driving the demand for obesity management services and products. Public-private partnerships and collaborations with non-governmental organizations are also playing a crucial role in addressing this public health issue and fostering market growth.

Regionally, North America holds a significant share of the pediatric obesity management market, owing to its high prevalence of childhood obesity and well-established healthcare infrastructure. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, driven by increasing urbanization, changing dietary patterns, and rising healthcare awareness. Countries like China and India are experiencing a surge in pediatric obesity cases, prompting a greater focus on obesity management solutions. The growing middle class and improving access to healthcare services in these regions are also contributing factors to the market's expansion.

Treatment Type Analysis

The pediatric obesity management market is segmented by treatment type into lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, and surgery. Lifestyle modification remains the cornerstone of obesity management, emphasizing changes in diet, physical activity, and behavior. This approach is often the first line of treatment due to its non-invasive nature and potential for long-term benefits. Comprehensive lifestyle programs that involve family-based interventions, counseling, and education are gaining traction. These programs aim to instill healthy habits from a young age and involve parents and caregivers to ensure a supportive environment. The rising availability of specialized obesity clinics and wellness centers that offer tailored lifestyle modification programs is also driving this segment's growth.

Pharmacotherapy has emerged as a critical component of pediatric obesity management, particularly for children and adolescents who do not respond adequately to lifestyle modifications alone. The development and approval of new weight-loss medications suitable for pediatric use have expanded the options available for young patients. These medications work by suppressing appetite, reducing fat absorption, or increasing energy expenditure. The growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapy in managing ped

US Health statistics by County, including Adult and Child Diabetes rates from 2007 to present, Adult and Child Obesity rates from 2007 to present, number and % change of available recreation and fitness facilities, preschool obesity rates for low-income children from 2008 to present, High school physical activity rates, and the ERS natural amenity index, 1999.The natural amenities scale, based on relatively permanent characteristics of counties-climate, topography, and lake, pond and ocean water area, is necessarily only a partial measure of an area's natural attributes that might influence migration and development. Area attractiveness also depends on how land is used.

The global pediatric obesity management market is experiencing significant growth, driven by rising childhood obesity rates worldwide and increasing awareness of the long-term health consequences. This market, estimated at $15 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated market value of $28 billion by 2033. Several factors contribute to this expansion, including the development of novel pharmacotherapies like setmelanotide and improved access to effective weight management programs. The increasing prevalence of comorbidities associated with pediatric obesity, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, further fuels market demand. Market segmentation reveals strong growth across various drug classes, including lorcaserin, liraglutide, and phentermine, reflecting diverse treatment approaches. Hospital pharmacies currently dominate the distribution channels, though the growing adoption of online pharmacies suggests a shift in distribution methods. Geographically, North America and Europe currently hold significant market share, but the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness substantial growth due to rising obesity rates and increasing healthcare spending. However, challenges remain, including the high cost of treatment, potential side effects of medications, and the need for comprehensive lifestyle interventions that address the root causes of pediatric obesity. Further research and development focusing on safer and more effective treatments, coupled with improved public health initiatives, are crucial to effectively address this growing global health concern. The market’s growth is influenced by regional disparities. North America and Europe, with established healthcare infrastructure and higher awareness of pediatric obesity, are currently leading the market. However, rapidly developing economies in Asia-Pacific, particularly in countries like China and India, are exhibiting a significant rise in childhood obesity, creating substantial growth opportunities in the coming years. The competitive landscape includes major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Roche, and GlaxoSmithKline, alongside specialized companies focused on pediatric obesity management. Strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions are expected to further shape the market landscape. Successful market players will need to focus on developing innovative therapies, expanding access to treatment, and implementing comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted nature of pediatric obesity, incorporating lifestyle changes alongside pharmacological interventions.

Proportion of children aged 10 to 11 years classified as overweight or living with obesity. For population monitoring purposes, a child’s body mass index (BMI) is classed as overweight or obese where it is on or above the 85th centile or 95th centile, respectively, based on the British 1990 (UK90) growth reference data. The population monitoring cut offs for overweight and obesity are lower than the clinical cut offs (91st and 98th centiles for overweight and obesity) used to assess individual children; this is to capture children in the population in the clinical overweight or obesity BMI categories and those who are at high risk of moving into the clinical overweight or clinical obesity categories. This helps ensure that adequate services are planned and delivered for the whole population.

Rationale There is concern about the rise of childhood obesity and the implications of obesity persisting into adulthood. The risk of obesity in adulthood and risk of future obesity-related ill health are greater as children get older. Studies tracking child obesity into adulthood have found that the probability of children who are overweight or living with obesity becoming overweight or obese adults increases with age[1,2,3]. The health consequences of childhood obesity include: increased blood lipids, glucose intolerance, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, increases in liver enzymes associated with fatty liver, exacerbation of conditions such as asthma and psychological problems such as social isolation, low self-esteem, teasing and bullying.

It is important to look at the prevalence of weight status across all weight/BMI categories to understand the whole picture and the movement of the population between categories over time.

The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence have produced guidelines to tackle obesity in adults and children - http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG43.

1 Guo SS, Chumlea WC. Tracking of body mass index in children in relation to overweight in adulthood. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1999;70(suppl): 145S-8S.

2 Serdula MK, Ivery D, Coates RJ, Freedman DS, Williamson DF, Byers T. Do obese children become obese adults? A review of the literature. Preventative Medicine 1993;22:167-77.

3 Starc G, Strel J. Tracking excess weight and obesity from childhood to young adulthood: a 12-year prospective cohort study in Slovenia. Public Health Nutrition 2011;14:49-55.

Definition of numerator Number of children in year 6 (aged 10 to 11 years) with a valid height and weight measured by the NCMP with a BMI classified as overweight or living with obesity, including severe obesity (BMI on or above the 85th centile of the UK90 growth reference).

Definition of denominator The number of children in year 6 (aged 10 to 11 years) with a valid height and weight measured by the NCMP.

Caveats Data for local authorities may not match that published by NHS England which are based on the local authority of the school attended by the child or based on the local authority that submitted the data. There is a strong correlation between deprivation and child obesity prevalence and users of these data may wish to examine the pattern in their local area. Users may wish to produce thematic maps and charts showing local child obesity prevalence. When presenting data in charts or maps it is important, where possible, to consider the confidence intervals (CIs) around the figures. This analysis supersedes previously published data for small area geographies and historically published data should not be compared to the latest publication. Estimated data published in this fingertips tool is not comparable with previously published data due to changes in methods over the different years of production. These methods changes include; moving from estimated numbers at ward level to actual numbers; revision of geographical boundaries (including ward boundary changes and conversion from 2001 MSOA boundaries to 2011 boundaries); disclosure control methodology changes. The most recently published data applies the same methods across all years of data. There is the potential for error in the collection, collation and interpretation of the data (bias may be introduced due to poor response rates and selective opt out of children with a high BMI for age/sex which it is not possible to control for). There is not a good measure of response bias and the degree of selective opt out, but participation rates (the proportion of eligible school children who were measured) may provide a reasonable proxy; the higher the participation rate, the less chance there is for selective opt out, though this is not a perfect method of assessment. Participation rates for each local authority are available in the https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/national-child-measurement-programme/data#page/4/gid/8000022/ of this profile.

Parents/caregivers are consistently described as integral targets given their influential role in supporting and managing behaviors such as diet and physical activity. Identifying effective obesity prevention interventions to enhance and sustain parent participation is needed. Digital obesity prevention interventions are a promising strategy to improve parent/caregiver participation. Digital health interventions demonstrate acceptable participation and retention among parents/caregivers. However, our understanding of digital obesity prevention interventions targeting Black American and Latinx parents/caregivers is limited. This systematic review aims to identify Black American and Latinx parents'/caregivers' level of participation in digital obesity prevention and treatment interventions and determine the relationship between parent/caregiver participation and behavioral and weight status outcomes. This review adheres to PRISMA guidelines and is registered in PROSPERO. Eligibility criteria include: intervention delivered by digital technology, targeted Black American and Latinx parents/caregivers of young children (2–12 years), reported parent/caregiver participation outcomes, targeted diet or physical activity behaviors, and randomized controlled trial study design. Searches were conducted in September 2020 in ERIC, PsychInfo, PubMed, and Web of Science. Initial searches returned 499 results. Four reviewers screened records against eligibility criteria and 12 studies met inclusion criteria. Across all studies, parent/caregiver participation ranged from low to high. Only half of the included studies reported significant improvements in behavioral or weight status outcomes for parents/caregivers and/or children. Of these studies, three reported high parental/caregiver participation rates, and three reported high satisfaction rates. These findings suggest that participation and satisfaction may impact behavior change and weight status. The small number of studies indicates that additional research is needed to determine whether engagement or other factors predict responsiveness to the digital health intervention. Our results lay the groundwork for developing and testing future digital health interventions with the explicit goal of parental/caregiver participation and considers the need to expand our digital health intervention research methodologies to address obesity inequities among diverse families better.

BMI data is obtained from each systems’ electronic health record and combined into one database managed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. These data represent individuals who presented for routine care at one of the participating health care organizations, and had a valid height and weight measured. Overweight and obesity prevalence estimates are available for the 7 metro Denver counties, and for rural Prowers County. Estimates generated from the Colorado BMI Monitoring System may be linked with other data sources to identify contributory social and environmental factors.This feature layer represents childhood/youth obesity estimates only.DefinitionsCoverage: The total number of individuals in the BMI Monitoring System with a valid BMI divided by the total estimated population from the American Community Survey Population and Demographic Estimates produced by the US Census Bureau in the specified geographic area and age group.Obesity Children/Youth: BMI is calculated from height and weight and plotted on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) male or female BMI-for-age growth chart to determine a percentile. Obesity is defined as a BMI at the 95th percentile or higher.Obesity Prevalence Estimates: Percentage of individuals with obesity based upon the total number of individuals with obesity in the specified geographic area and age group divided by the total number of valid BMI measurements in the same specified geographic area and age group.

BackgroundRural communities have a disproportionately high level of childhood obesity along with high rates of food insecurity.ObjectivesTo assess the eating habits of youth in predominantly African American rural communities and assess the association between proximity to a grocery store and eating habits as well as how the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted eating habits.Methods203 youth and parents completed a 16-item survey. Analyses were performed to assess the effect of having a neighborhood grocery store as well as to compare responses between youth and parents.ResultsHaving a neighborhood grocery store was associated with increased consumption of vegetables (F(1,122) = 41.56) and fruits (F(1,121) = 65.05), decreased consumption of chips (F(1,125) = 79.51) and a smaller percentage of overweight youth (χ2(1,125) = 5.03). Parents underestimated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth eating habits (χ2 (1,198) = 17.88).ConclusionProximity to a grocery store significantly associated with eating habits and weight in the rural communities examined. Given the steady decrease in the number rural grocery stores over the past decade it is important to consider how to improve access to healthy foods in these communities.

Children Fitness Equipment Market Outlook

The global children fitness equipment market size is anticipated to grow from $1.5 billion in 2023 to $3.2 billion by 2032, exhibiting a robust CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period. The increasing awareness about childhood obesity and the importance of physical fitness among children are key growth factors fueling the market expansion. With growing health concerns and the rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases in children, parents and educators are emphasizing more on physical activities, thereby driving the demand for children’s fitness equipment.

One of the significant factors contributing to the growth of the children fitness equipment market is the increasing awareness regarding the benefits of physical activity for children’s overall health and development. Regular exercise not only helps in physical development but also improves mental health, enhances cognitive functions, and develops social skills. This increased awareness is pushing parents, schools, and communities to invest in fitness equipment specifically designed for children, ensuring they have the right tools to stay active and healthy.

Technological advancements in fitness equipment are also playing a pivotal role in market growth. Children’s fitness equipment is becoming more interactive and engaging, integrating elements such as gamification and virtual reality to keep children motivated and entertained while exercising. These innovations are making fitness activities more appealing to children, thereby increasing the adoption of fitness equipment in homes, schools, and fitness centers. The ability to track progress and set goals through connected devices also adds a layer of accountability and encouragement for children.

Government initiatives and regulations aimed at promoting physical education and activity in schools are further propelling market growth. Many countries are implementing policies that mandate physical education programs in schools, which in turn boosts the demand for fitness equipment. Additionally, various public health campaigns are focused on reducing childhood obesity rates, encouraging communities to invest in fitness facilities and equipment specifically designed for children.

From a regional perspective, North America holds a significant share of the children fitness equipment market, driven by high awareness levels, a strong focus on health and wellness, and substantial investments in physical education infrastructure. Moreover, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the rising disposable incomes, increasing urbanization, and a growing emphasis on children’s health and fitness in countries like China and India. Europe also presents a mature market, with steady growth driven by government initiatives and high consumer awareness.

Product Type Analysis

The children fitness equipment market by product type is categorized into cardio equipment, strength training equipment, activity-based equipment, and others. Cardio equipment includes items like treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical machines designed specifically for children. These products focus on improving cardiovascular health, stamina, and overall physical endurance. The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in children due to sedentary lifestyles is driving the adoption of cardio equipment in homes, schools, and fitness centers.

Strength training equipment encompasses tools such as resistance bands, lightweight dumbbells, and child-friendly weight machines. Strength training is essential for building muscle mass, improving bone density, and enhancing overall physical strength. This segment is gaining traction as more parents and educators recognize the benefits of strength training for children. Safety is a crucial factor, and manufacturers are developing equipment that is specifically designed for the biomechanical needs of children, ensuring safe and effective workouts.

Activity-based equipment includes a wide range of interactive and engaging tools such as climbing walls, obstacle courses, and balance boards. These pieces of equipment not only promote physical fitness but also enhance motor skills, coordination, and agility. Activity-based equipment is particularly popular in schools and community centers where the focus is on making fitness fun and engaging for children. The rising trend of incorporating play into fitness routines is driving the demand for this segment.

The global market for Child Nutrition Monitoring and Data Analysis Software is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing awareness of childhood obesity and malnutrition, coupled with the rising adoption of digital health solutions in healthcare settings. The market, estimated at $250 million in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated $800 million by 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the increasing demand for efficient and accurate nutritional data collection and analysis tools allows healthcare professionals to better monitor children's dietary intake and identify potential nutritional deficiencies early on. Secondly, governments and healthcare organizations are increasingly investing in digital infrastructure and software solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of child health programs. This includes initiatives promoting healthier diets and preventing diet-related diseases in children. Finally, the growing availability of user-friendly and cost-effective software solutions is making these technologies accessible to a wider range of stakeholders, from schools and hospitals to individual practitioners. The market is segmented based on software type (cloud-based vs. on-premise), deployment model (web-based vs. mobile), and end-user (hospitals, schools, clinics, etc.). Key players, including Nutrium, SweetWARE, and Nutritics, are actively innovating to meet the evolving needs of this expanding market, incorporating features like AI-powered analytics and integration with electronic health records. The market's growth is also influenced by several challenges. Data privacy and security concerns associated with handling sensitive child health information remain a significant obstacle. Furthermore, the lack of standardized data formats and interoperability issues between different software systems can hinder data sharing and collaboration among healthcare providers. However, ongoing advancements in data security technologies and the increasing adoption of standardized data protocols are expected to mitigate these challenges over the forecast period. Regional variations in market growth are anticipated, with North America and Europe leading the way due to higher adoption rates of digital health technologies and robust healthcare infrastructure. However, emerging economies in Asia and Africa are also expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, driven by rising disposable incomes and increased awareness of child nutrition.