Prevalence of severe obesity among population aged 2–19 years U.S. 1971-2018

The prevalence of severe obesity among U.S. children and adolescents has risen gradually over the past few decades. From 2017 to 2018, around 6.1 percent of those aged 2 to 19 years were severely obese. This statistic illustrates the prevalence of severe obesity among U.S. children and adolescents aged 2–19 years from 1971 to 2018.

Prevalence of severe obesity among U.S. children and adolescents aged 2–19 years from 1971 to 2018*

Characteristic	Percentage of population
2017–2018	6.1%
2015–2016	5.6%
2013–2014	6%
2011–2012	5.6%
2009–2010	5.6%
2007–2008	4.9%
2005–2006	4.7%
2003–2004	5.1%
2001–2002	5.2%
1999–2000	3.6%
1988–1994	2.6%
1976-1980	1.3%
1971-1974	1%

Loading statistic...

Download

Source

Show detailed source information?

Already a member?

Sources

Use Ask Statista Research Service

Release date

January 2021

More information

Region

United States

Survey time period

From 1971 to 2018

Age group

2-19 years

Method of interview

Face-to-face interview

Supplementary notes

* Overweight is body mass index (BMI) at or above the 85th percentile and below the 95th percentile from the sex-specific BMI-for-age 2000 CDC Growth Charts. Obesity is BMI at or above the 95th percentile. Severe obesity is BMI at or above 120% of the 95th percentile.

Citation formats