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 2020, around *** million children and adolescents aged 5-19 years worldwide were considered obese. This number is expected to increase to around *** million by the year 2035. This statistic shows the number of children and adolescents aged 5-19 years who were obese worldwide in 2020 and forecasts for the years 2025, 2030, and 2035.

Mali ML: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 1.900 % in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 1.000 % for 2010. Mali ML: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 2.100 % from Dec 1987 (Median) to 2015, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4.700 % in 2006 and a record low of 0.500 % in 1987. Mali ML: 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 Mali – Table ML.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

This statistic displays the prevalence of childhood obesity* in the United Kingdom (UK) from 1975 to 2016, by gender. At the beginning of this time series, female children in the UK were more likely to be obese than males. This changed in 1995, when the obesity rates for both male and female children in the UK equaled eight percent. As of 2016, 12.7 percent of male children are considered obese, compared to 10.2 percent of female children. It is also notable that the obesity rate in female children has declined from a high point of 10.4 percent in 2010.

This statistical report presents information on obesity, physical activity and diet, drawn together from a variety of sources. The topics covered include: Obesity related hospital admissions. Prescription items for the treatment of obesity. Adult obesity prevalence. Childhood obesity prevalence. Physical activity levels among adults and children. Diet among adults and children, including trends in purchases, and consumption of food and drink and energy intake. Each section provides an overview of the key findings from these sources, as well as providing sources of further information and links to relevant documents and sources. Some of the data have been published previously by NHS Digital. A data visualisation tool at the link below allows users to select obesity related hospital admissions data for any Local Authority (as contained in Excel tables 3, 7 and 11 of this publication), along with time series data from 2013/14. Regional and national comparisons are also provided.

This report presents information on obesity, physical activity and diet drawn together from a variety of sources for England. More information can be found in the source publications which contain a wider range of data and analysis. Each section provides an overview of key findings, as well as providing links to relevant documents and sources. Some of the data have been published previously by NHS Digital. A data visualisation tool (link provided within the key facts) allows users to select obesity related hospital admissions data for any Local Authority (as contained in the data tables), along with time series data from 2013/14. Regional and national comparisons are also provided. The report includes information on: Obesity related hospital admissions, including obesity related bariatric surgery. Obesity prevalence. Physical activity levels. Walking and cycling rates. Prescriptions items for the treatment of obesity. Perception of weight and weight management. Food and drink purchases and expenditure. Fruit and vegetable consumption. Key facts cover the latest year of data available: Hospital admissions: 2018/19 Adult obesity: 2018 Childhood obesity: 2018/19 Adult physical activity: 12 months to November 2019 Children and young people's physical activity: 2018/19 academic year

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. 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. 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

This statistic displays the prevalence of childhood obesity* in France from 1975 to 2016, by gender. Since the beginning of this time series, there has been a greater prevalence of childhood obesity among male children in France than among females.

Trend data from the GOV.UK Official Statistics - National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) showing the prevalence of excess weight and obesity in children at MSOA area level.

This dataset provides analysis of trends in childhood obesity and excess weight in the United Kingdom, utilizing data from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP). The NCMP systematically measures the height and weight of children, providing insights into the dynamics of childhood obesity across various regions. The dataset allows for detailed analysis at the small-area level, including Middle Super Output Areas (MSOAs), electoral wards, Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), and Local Authorities (LAs), enabling a nuanced understanding of regional disparities in childhood obesity rates.

By examining shifts in obesity prevalence, stakeholders can identify at-risk populations and regions, informing targeted public health policies and interventions. These insights are crucial for addressing the rising rates of childhood obesity and crafting effective strategies to promote healthier lifestyles, reduce obesity rates, and improve public health outcomes.

The data can be analyzed at a finely detailed geographical level, such as Middle Super Output Areas (MSOAs), electoral wards, Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), and Local Authorities (LAs). This allows for a nuanced understanding of how childhood obesity rates differ from one locality to another, illuminating disparities in public health outcomes. Stakeholders are equipped with the insights necessary to identify at-risk populations and regions by examining shifts in the prevalence of child obesity and excess weight.

These insights are vital for crafting targeted public health policies and interventions tailored to combat the rising rates of childhood obesity. Understanding the prevalence and geographic distribution of this critical issue is essential for researchers, policymakers, and public health officials as they work collaboratively to promote healthier lifestyles, implement effective preventive measures, and ultimately reduce the prevalence of obesity among children in the UK.

Original Data Source: (Discontinued) GOV.UK Child obesity and excess weight: small area level data

Dataset Features

• Child_Group: Describes the group of children being measured (e.g., excess weight in different age groups).
• MSOA_Code: Unique identifier for the Middle Super Output Area (MSOA) of the data point.
• MSOA_Code_MSOA11_HCL_Name: Name of the MSOA area where the data was collected.
• LA_Code: Unique identifier for the Local Authority (LA) where the data was collected.
• LA_Code_Geography_Name: Name of the Local Authority (LA) where the data was collected.
• Measure: Specific measurement (e.g., Denominator, LCI, Numerator).
• Measure_Value: The value of the measure.
• Measure_Value_Str: String representation of the measure value.
• School_Year: School year(s) corresponding to the data (e.g., 2013/14 to 2015/16).
• Effective_Snapshot_Date: Date when the data snapshot was recorded.
• Report_Period_Length: Length of the report period (e.g., biannual).

Distribution

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Usage

This dataset is useful for a variety of purposes: - Public Health Analysis: Analyzing trends in childhood obesity and excess weight across the UK. - Policy Making: Supporting evidence-based policy development for child health and wellness programs to reduce obesity rates. - Geospatial Analysis: Mapping obesity trends at small-area levels (MSOAs, electoral wards) to identify regions with higher obesity rates. - Educational Research: Supporting studies into childhood obesity and its relationship with socio-economic and geographic factors. - Healthcare Insights: Identifying regions that may require more healthcare interventions and monitoring the success of public health strategies.

Coverage

The dataset covers childhood obesity and excess weight data across the United Kingdom, with detailed analysis at small-area geographical levels including Middle Super Output Areas (MSOAs), Local Authorities (LAs), Electoral Wards, and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). The data spans from 2011 to 2018, providing insights into regional disparities in childhood obesity rates and excess weight.

License

CUSTOM

Please review the respective licenses below:

1. Dat

Barbados BB: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data was reported at 13.000 % in 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 13.100 % for 2023. Barbados BB: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data is updated yearly, averaging 11.900 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2024, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 13.100 % in 2023 and a record low of 9.300 % in 2000. Barbados BB: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Barbados – Table BB.World Bank.WDI: Social: 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 2006 Child Growth Standards.;UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child Malnutrition Estimates (JME).;Weighted average;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. Estimates are modeled estimates produced by the JME. Primary data sources of the anthropometric measurements are national surveys. These surveys are administered sporadically, resulting in sparse data for many countries. Furthermore, the trend of the indicators over time is usually not a straight line and varies by country. Tracking the current level and progress of indicators helps determine if countries are on track to meet certain thresholds, such as those indicated in the SDGs. Thus the JME developed statistical models and produced the modeled estimates.

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

It is estimated that the number of children aged 5 to 19 years living with obesity worldwide will increase from 158 million in 2020 to 254 million by the year 2030. This statistic illustrates the predicted number of children with obesity worldwide in 2020, 2025, and 2030.

Data on obesity among children and adolescents aged 2-19 years by selected population characteristics. Please refer to the PDF or Excel version of this table in the HUS 2019 Data Finder (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus/contents2019.htm) for critical information about measures, definitions, and changes over time.

SOURCE: NCHS, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. For more information on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, see the corresponding Appendix entry at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus19-appendix-508.pdf.

Nigeria NG: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 1.500 % in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1.600 % for 2015. Nigeria NG: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 4.050 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2016, with 10 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 13.300 % in 2007 and a record low of 1.500 % in 2016. Nigeria NG: 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 Nigeria – Table NG.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

The NCMP and Child Obesity Profile displays prevalence of obesity, severe obesity, overweight, healthy weight and underweight at local authority (LA), regional and national level over time; for children in Reception (aged 4 to 5 years) and Year 6 (aged 10 to 11 years).

Users can compare LA data by region or between ‘The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) nearest neighbours’ (LAs with similar characteristics).

The tool also presents inequalities in obesity prevalence by sex, deprivation quintile and ethnic group by LA. The profile also includes child obesity slope index of inequality (SII) for each of the 9 English regions and England.

A new domain (NCMP small area data) has been added to this profile to display trend data on the prevalence of excess weight (overweight including obesity) and obesity for Middle Super Output Areas (MSOAs), Electoral Wards, Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG), local authorities, and England. The NCMP small area data will be updated to include the 2018/19 data in spring 2020.

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.

Kuwait KW: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data was reported at 10.100 % in 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 10.000 % for 2023. Kuwait KW: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data is updated yearly, averaging 8.800 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2024, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 10.100 % in 2024 and a record low of 7.800 % in 2000. Kuwait KW: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Kuwait – Table KW.World Bank.WDI: Social: 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 2006 Child Growth Standards.;UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child Malnutrition Estimates (JME).;Weighted average;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. Estimates are modeled estimates produced by the JME. Primary data sources of the anthropometric measurements are national surveys. These surveys are administered sporadically, resulting in sparse data for many countries. Furthermore, the trend of the indicators over time is usually not a straight line and varies by country. Tracking the current level and progress of indicators helps determine if countries are on track to meet certain thresholds, such as those indicated in the SDGs. Thus the JME developed statistical models and produced the modeled estimates.