Obesity Among Children Increases

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children age 2 to 19 years has steadily increased over the last decade, according to a new study analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Data showed that between 1999 and 2012, obesity jumped from 14.5 percent to 17.3 percent, and the number of children with the most severe form of obesity has jumped from 0.9 percent to 2.1 percent, signaling the need for more widespread, intensive interventions.

Previous CDC data showing obesity rates falling among 2 to 5 year olds may have been misinterpreted because of an unusual spike in obesity at baseline and a shorter span of time analyzed, according to the lead author of this current study.