Trends: Prevent Childhood Obesity
Rates of Childhood Obesity (total and by gender): These data are the percentages of children ages 10 to 17 with a body mass index (BMI) determined to be overweight or obese. BMI is used to assess children and teens as underweight, overweight and at risk for becoming overweight. Data is from the Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative, 2007 National Survey of Children's Health.
To view or compare state data, select up to six jurisdictions below and click "View Data."
United States
| Alabama | Louisiana | Oklahoma |
| Alaska | Maine | Oregon |
| Arizona | Maryland | Pennsylvania |
| Arkansas | Massachusetts | Puerto Rico |
| California | Michigan | Rhode Island |
| Colorado | Minnesota | South Carolina |
| Connecticut | Mississippi | South Dakota |
| Delaware | Missouri | Tennessee |
| District of Columbia | Montana | Texas |
| Florida | Nebraska | Utah |
| Georgia | Nevada | Vermont |
| Hawaii | New Hampshire | Virgin Islands |
| Idaho | New Jersey | Virginia |
| Illinois | New Mexico | Washington |
| Indiana | New York | West Virginia |
| Iowa | North Carolina | Wisconsin |
| Kansas | North Dakota | Wyoming |
| Kentucky | Ohio |
Learn More. How BMI is used to measure overweight and obesity in children and teens, visit the Center for Disease Control’s website dedicated to measuring a child’s height and weight.
Making Progress. Arkansas was one of the first states in the country to enact
legislation
requiring a comprehensive school-based approach to childhood obesity. A six year evaluation found healthier school environments, healthier food choices by youth and increases in physical activity.