Special Report
From Crisis to Opportunity: Reforming Our Nation’s Policies to Help All Children Grow Up Healthy
Building a Healthier Nation for the Next Generation
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.
The Six-Ingredient Recipe for Universal School Meals: Lessons from California
Fighting Back Against Companies’ Behind-the-Scenes Tactics to Market Sugary Drinks to Kids
Sugary Drinks and Tobacco—Different Industries, Same Playbook
Bold Solutions for Healthier Kids and a Healthier Planet
Fighting for Food Justice
In Mexico, Healthy Food Is a Child’s Right
Fast Facts About Childhood Obesity
16.2%
In 2019-20, 16.2% of youth ages 10 to 17 had obesity, according to the latest National Survey of Children’s Health.
22.4%
During the pandemic, the national rate of obesity among kids ages 2 to 19 increased to 22.4% in 2020, up from 19.3% in 2019.
$14B
In the U.S., childhood obesity alone is estimated to cost $14 billion annually in direct health expenses.
Interactive Data
Find the latest data from major federal surveys tracking state and national obesity rates and trends for children and teens.
10-17 Year Olds
Adults
2-4 Year Olds
High School Students
National Obesity Monitor
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 more than 42 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 7.8 million participants.
School Meals and Snacks
Many children consume up to half their daily calories at school. Nationwide nearly 30 million children participate in the National School Lunch Program and nearly 15 million participate in the School Breakfast Program.
Recommendations
Policy Changes to Prevent Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity is driven by systemic, interconnected factors, so policy solutions must be broad and systems-based too. Some solutions will naturally focus on improving access to healthy, affordable food for all children and families. Others must go beyond those immediate factors, strengthening supports so that parents and caregivers have the resources they need to help all children grow up healthy.
october 2021 Report
From Crisis to Opportunity: Reforming Our Nation’s Policies to Help All Children Grow Up Healthy
This report presents the latest childhood obesity rates and trends, expert insights, relevant research, and policy recommendations from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It highlights promising strategies for for moving forward from the crisis of the pandemic and closer to a nation where every child has a fair shot to live the healthiest life possible.