How do Race and Ethnicity Influence Childhood Obesity?

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Obesity is a serious public health problem in the US and can affect anyone regardless of age. In particular, childhood obesity prevalence remains high. As well as compromising a child’s immediate health, obesity can also negatively influence long-term health dramatically. Unfortunately, some racial and ethnic groups are affected by obesity much more than others.

On average, childhood obesity in the US has not changed significantly since 2003-2004, and overall, approximately 17% of all children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese – a total of 12.7 million.

Significant disparities exist in obesity prevalence between different racial and ethnic groups. The CDC report the following obesity prevalence percentages among different youth demographics:

• Hispanic youth – 22.4%
• Non-Hispanic black youth – 20.2%
• Non-Hispanic white youth – 14.1%
• Non-Hispanic Asian youth – 8.6%.

From these figures taken from 2011-2012, we can see that levels of obesity among Hispanic and non-Hispanic black children and adolescents are significantly above average.

Children living in high-poverty areas are especially likely to be obese. Fast food and processed food is widely available, low cost and nutritionally poor. In addition, living in high-poverty areas can also mean that children have limited access to suitable outdoor spaces for exercise. Hispanic youth are more likely to come from low-income families than White youth.

Fortunately, there are chances to reverse this troubling trend. Many organizations and individuals have taken the initiative to build active spaces for their communities. Others are focused on getting healthier food for neighborhoods. Search our resources page to find ways of fighting obesity in your area. Salud!

Full article from Medical News Today