Trends in Obesity Prevalence Among Children and Adolescents in the United States, 1988-1994 Through 2013-2014

Abstract

Quiz Ref ID Obesity and extreme obesity in children and adolescents are associated with elevated blood pressure and abnormal fasting glucose¹ and, long-term, often tracks into adulthood.² In adults, obesity can result in increased morbidity and mortality.^3,4 Obesity in children and adolescents is defined based on body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared).⁵ The most recent estimate for the prevalence of child and adolescent obesity in the United States is 17% and is based on data for 2011-2014.⁶