Childhood Obesity Rates by Race and Ethnicity
Childhood obesity affects about 18.5% of youth in the United States. That is around 13.7 million children between the ages of 2 and 19.
But did you know that not all races and ethnicities are affected at the same rates?
From 2015 to 2016, the rate of obesity in children was higher in Hispanics (25.8%) than it was in non-Hispanic Blacks (22%), non-Hispanic whites (14.1%), or non-Hispanic Asians (11%).
Within each racial or ethnic group, boys and girls had similar rates of obesity.
What you can do if your child is at risk
- Know the risks
Make sure you know the risks of obesity. Knowing the risks can help you keep your children healthy. - Help them eat healthy
Small changes in diet can help stop weight gain and obesity. Make sure you have lots of vegetables in your child’s diet. Choose low-fat milk and avoid foods with lots of sugar or fat. - Be an example
Add exercise to your daily routine and encourage your children to join in, too. Children learn from the adults around them, so make sure you set a good example.
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