Prevalence of High Body Mass Index in US Children and Adolescents, 2007-2008

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Abstract
High body mass index (BMI) among children and adolescents continues to be a public health concern in the United States. Children with high BMI often become obese adults,1 and obese adults are at risk for many chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.2 High BMI in children may also have immediate consequences, such as elevated lipid concentrations and blood pressure.3 Since 1980, the prevalence of BMI for age at or above the 95th percentile (sometimes termed “obese”) has tripled among school-age children and adolescents, and it remains high at approximately 17%.4-6 However, the prevalence of BMI for age at or above the 95th percentile among children and adolescents showed no significant changes between 1999 and 2006 for both boys and girls or among non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Mexican American individuals.6