Beginning in the 1960's, several large, nationally representative surveys have assessed the prevalence of overweight problems and obesity. These include the National Health Examination Survey Cycles (NHES I, II and III) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES I, II, and III). From these surveys, the prevalence of childhood obesity was estimated to be 25 to 30 percent. Additionally, over the years encompassed by these surveys (still currently ongoing), the prevalence of overweight children aged 2-19 has increased by 182 percent, while the severity or amount of overweight in these children increased 247%. These tremendous escalations are exhibited when comparing data from the 1970's and comparing it to 1999-2000 data.
What is the prevalence of overweight boys and girls
Overweight prevalence is higher in boys (32.7 percent) than girls (27.8 percent). In adolescents, overweight prevalence is about the same for females (30.2 percent) and males (30.5 percent).
The prevalence of obesity has quadrupled over 25 years among boys and girls.
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Increase in Obesity Prevalence (%) Among U.S. Children (Ages 6 to 11)
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Boys
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Girls
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1999 to 2000
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16
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14.5
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1988 to 1994
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11.6
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11
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1971 to 1974
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4.3
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3.6
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Source: CDC, National Center for Health Statistics, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Ogden et. al. JAMA. 2002;288:1728-1732.
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Obesity prevalence more than doubled over 25 years among adolescent males and females.
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Increase in Obesity Prevalence (%) Among U.S. Adolescents (Ages 12 to 19)
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Males
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Females
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1999 to 2000
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15.5
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15.5
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1988 to 1994
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11.3
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9.7
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1971 to 1974
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6.1
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6.2
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Source: CDC, National Center for Health Statistics, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Ogden et. al. JAMA. 2002;288:1728-1732.
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