Explore interactives with the latest data, find expert insights about policies and programs that can help kids grow up healthy, and read stories about communities taking action to prevent obesity.
Fast Facts About Childhood Obesity
4.8M
In 2017-18, 4.8 million kids ages 10 to 17 had obesity, according to the National Survey of Children’s Health.
18.5%
The 2015-16 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found 18.5% of kids ages 2 to 19 had obesity.
$14B
In the U.S., childhood obesity alone is estimated to cost $14 billion annually in direct health expenses.
Interactive Data
New data from the National Survey of Children’s Health show that 4.8 million kids ages 10 to 17 have obesity. Explore these findings and the latest trends from major surveys that track rates at the national and state level, including the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the WIC Participant and Program Characteristics Survey, and the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System.
10-17 Year Olds
Adults
National Obesity Monitor
2-4 Year Olds
High School Students
“By working together, we can build a nation that supports, sustains, and secures the well-being of all our children and their families.”
Stories and Expert Perspectives
Hear from experts about the impact of policies and programs in their communities, read interviews with researchers about data releases, and learn how some communities are taking action to help more children grow up healthy.
Washington State Prioritizes Healthier Standards in Early Learning Settings
Building a More Equitable San Antonio
The Power of Community Partnerships
A Community Chooses Water First for Thirst
A Letter From Dr. Rich Besser
How Childhood Obesity Rates Have Changed Over Time
Priority Policies
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is the nation’s largest nutrition assistance program, helping feed approximately 36 million Americans each month.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is one of the nation’s largest federal nutrition programs, serving about 6.3 million participants.
School Meals and Snacks
Many children consume up to half their daily calories at school. Nationwide more than 29 million children participate in the National School Lunch Program and nearly 15 million participate in the School Breakfast Program.Â
Recommendations
Across America, communities are helping to reverse the trend of childhood obesity through changes in public policy, community environments and industry practices that support healthy eating, physical activity, and healthier choices for kids and families.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation offers specific recommendations to federal, state, and local policymakers, the food and restaurant sectors, and healthcare providers to help ensure all children are able to grow up at a healthy weight.
full report
State of Childhood Obesity: Helping All Children Grow Up Healthy
The full report includes findings from major federal datasets measuring childhood obesity among different age groups and describes policies and programs aimed at creating healthier child-care centers, schools, and communities. It also offers recommendations for helping all children grow up at a healthy weight, especially from an early age, which is essential to preventing a wide range of health problems and saving billions in health care costs.