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.
Abbreviations
ECLS
Early Childhood Longitudinal Study
NH
non-Hispanic
SES
socioeconomic status
TST
triceps skinfold thickness
WC
waist circumference
YRBSS
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
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Supported in part by the NIH/The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R01DK81335-01A1) and The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (1R01HD064685-01A1, 1R03HD058077-01A1, R03HD058077-01A1S1).
Author disclosure: Y. Wang, no conflicts of interest.