Childhood obesity is one of the biggest threats to our nation’s health, economy and future.
Children who have obesity are at greater risk for diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, which have a significant impact on health and healthcare costs. Obesity can also increase the risk for severe symptoms of COVID-19, even among children. Additionally, decades of data show that children of color and those growing up furthest from economic opportunity are at greatest risk for obesity.
Across America, leaders at all levels are making changes to community environments to make it easier for children and families to access affordable, healthy foods and places to be active. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is working to help advance these types of changes, so we can ensure all children are able to grow up at a healthy weight, and have a healthy start in life.
Data show that roughly one in six young people in the United States has obesity. High childhood obesity rates are a warning that our policies are failing our kids. A State of Childhood Obesity report lifts up solutions for helping all kids have a fair and just opportunity for a healthier life.