Explore State Data
North Carolina
In North Carolina, 19.8% of youth ages 10 to 17 have obesity, giving North Carolina a ranking of 10 among the 50 states and D.C. This page includes North Carolina data in four areas: the latest data on obesity, diabetes, and hypertension; how federal nutrition policies impact North Carolina; health behaviors and outcomes among high school students; and policies enacted by North Carolina to support health and prevent obesity.

Rates, Ranks, and Trends
Several federal datasets provide the latest health information for children, adolescents, and adults. Below are the current obesity rates among various age groups, the diabetes and hypertension rates for adults, rankings among all states, and trends over time.
Childhood Nutrition Data
National programs and policies can make it easier for children to access healthier foods and beverages. The number of children participating in each of these programs varies from state to state. See participation numbers and rates below, or visit the full interactive feature.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
1,540,942
North Carolina Number of residents participating in in 2022.
79% Percentage of eligible residents participating in 2018.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) -- Children
441,000
North Carolina Number of participating residents who are children in in 2018.
41.1% Percentage of participants who are children in 2018.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - White
42.8%
North Carolina Percentage of participating households where the head of household is White in 2018.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - African-American
46.20%
North Carolina Percentage of participating households where the head of household is African-American in 2018.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Hispanic
1.0%
North Carolina Percentage of participating households where the head of household is Hispanic in 2018.
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
477,865
North Carolina Number of students participating in 2021.
Head Start
16,638
North Carolina Number of children participating in in 2019.
19% Percentage of eligible children participating in 2019.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
254,120
North Carolina Number of residents participating in in 2021.
59.2% Percentage of eligible residents participating in 2019.
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
132,533
North Carolina Number of students participating, by state in CACFP in 2021.
69,894,077 Total meals served annually in 2021.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
5,940
North Carolina Number of children participating in in 2021.
57.8% Percentage of students eligible for free/reduced-price lunch in 2019-2020.
Food Insecurity (CFI)
14%
North Carolina Percentage of children who are food insecure in CFI in 2018.
High Schooler Health Data
The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) surveys high school students to better understand a variety of health issues and behaviors. This feature includes data related to obesity, nutrition, and physical activity.
Visit full interactive with data on nutrition behaviors among high school students
Visit full interactive with data on physical activity behaviors among high school students