Epidemic increase in childhood overweight, 1986-1998

Abstract

Context: Overweight is the most common health problem facing US children. Data for adults suggest that overweight prevalence has increased by more than 50% in the last 10 years. Data for children also suggest that the prevalence of overweight continues to increase rapidly. Objective: To investigate recent changes in the prevalence of overweight within a nationally representative sample of children. Design, Setting, and Participants: The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, a prospective cohort study conducted from 1986 to 1998 among 8270 children aged 4 to 12 years (24174 growth points were analyzed). Main Outcome Measures: Prevalence of overweight children, defined as body mass index (BMI) greater than the 95th percentile for age and sex, and prevalence of overweight and at-risk children, defined as BMI greater than the 85th percentile for age and sex. The roles of race/ethnicity, sex, income, and region of residence were also examined. Results: Between 1986 and 1998, overweight increased significantly and steadily among African American (P