The chart below illustrates the dramatic increase in childhood obesity during the past three decades. Statistics collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from a variety of studies over the years show the percentage of school-age children (6-19) considered obese has tripled since 1980. Although the rate has leveled off in the most recent surveys, it remains at an all-time high.
These studies defined obesity based on body mass index, a ratio of height to weight. Children with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for other kids of the same age and sex are considered obese, according to the CDC.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
