The State of Childhood Obesity periodically produces special reports covering specific topics. View the special features and explore reports below to learn more and see recommendations for action.
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.
priority issue
Sugary Drinks Harm Kids’ Health
Sugary drinks are the single largest source of calories in children’s diets and provide nearly half of kids’ added sugar intake. This new special feature highlights the latest data and trends on sugary drink consumption and facts about how sugary drinks impact kids’ health. It summarizes efforts and recommendations for reducing consumption, recent research, and stories of communities taking action.
October 2020 Report
Prioritizing Children’s Health During the Pandemic
This report presents the latest childhood obesity rates and trends, expert insights, relevant research, and policy developments, including emergency relief efforts to support major federal nutrition programs. It highlights promising strategies for prioritizing children’s health and improving equity in response to the pandemic and throughout recovery.
November 2019 report
Obesity Rates Decline Among WIC Participants
This report includes the latest state-by-state obesity rates among 2- to 4-year-old WIC participants, and national rates broken down by gender, race and ethnicity. It describes research about how the WIC program impacts child and maternal health, and features recommendations for extending the positive impact of WIC.
October 2019 report
Helping All Children Grow Up Healthy
This 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.