Obesity and Socioeconomic Status in Children and Adolescents: United States, 2005–2008

"In 2007–2008 almost 17% of children and adolescents aged 2–19 years were obese (1). Childhood obesity often tracks to adulthood (2) and, in the short run, childhood obesity can lead to psychosocial problems and cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and abnormal glucose tolerance or diabetes (3). Studies have suggested that obesity is greater in the low income population than in higher income individuals (4). This data brief presents the most recent national data on childhood obesity and its association with poverty income ratio (PIR) and education of household head. Results are presented by sex and race and ethnicity.."