Explore State Data
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, 16% of youth ages 10 to 17 have obesity, giving Pennsylvania a ranking of 28 among the 50 states and D.C. This page includes Pennsylvania data in four areas: the latest data on obesity, diabetes, and hypertension; how federal nutrition policies impact Pennsylvania; health behaviors and outcomes among high school students; and policies enacted by Pennsylvania 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)
1,842,970
Pennsylvania Number of residents participating in SNAP in May 2022.
99% Percentage of eligible residents participating in 2018.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) -- Children
629,000
Pennsylvania Number of participating residents who are children in SNAP-Children in FY 2018.
35.20% Percentage of participants who are children in FY 2018.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - White
59.20%
Pennsylvania Percentage of participating households where the head of household is White SNAP-White head of household in FY 2018.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - African-American
26.40%
Pennsylvania Percentage of participating households where the head of household is African-American SNAP-African-American head of household in FY 2018.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Hispanic
0.60%
Pennsylvania Percentage of participating households where the head of household is Hispanic SNAP-Hispanic head of household in FY 2018.
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
90,506
Pennsylvania Number of children participating SFSP in FY 2021.
Head Start
24,836
Pennsylvania Number of funded Head Start slots in Head Start in 2020.
38% Percentage of eligible children ages 3-5 who had access to Head Start in 2020.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
167,969
Pennsylvania Number of residents participating in WIC in FY 2021.
51.60% Percentage of eligible residents participating in 2016.
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
93,501
Pennsylvania Number of students participating in CACFP in FY 2021.
47,708,248 Total meals served annually in FY 2021.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
997,633
Pennsylvania In recent years, schools have greatly improved the nutritional quality of the meals they offer to students. Research shows school meals help reduce obesity, hunger and food insecurity. The table below shows the percentage of students eligibile for free or reduced price lunch, as well as the number of students who participate in the school lunch program. in NSLP in FY 2022.
50.7% Percentage of students eligible for free/reduced-price lunch in 2019-2020.
Food Insecurity (CFI)
15.10%
Pennsylvania 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