Are there rising trends in severe obesity prevalence among children and adolescents in the US?

Yes, severe obesity is rising sharply among children and teens in the United States. Between 1999 and 2018, the share of youth with severe obesity grew from 3.6% to 6.1%. This means that while obesity overall has increased, the most severe form has grown at an even faster pace.

What the research says

US national survey data shows a clear upward trend in severe obesity for youth aged 2 to 19 years. From 1999-2000 to 2017-2018, the prevalence of severe obesity increased from 3.6% to 6.1% ¹. During the same period, overall obesity in this age group rose from 13.9% to 19.3% ¹. This indicates that the rise in severe obesity is outpacing the rise in general obesity among children and adolescents ¹.

Other research supports the idea that severe obesity is becoming more common in younger populations. One study found that the rise in severe obesity was most pronounced in the youngest age groups ⁷. Another report noted that the persisted rising in prevalence occurred in the youngest age-group in both genders ⁶. These findings suggest that the problem is growing fastest among children and young adults rather than older adults ⁶.

The increase in severe obesity is linked to serious health risks. Young adults with severe obesity face higher hospitalization rates for gastrointestinal diseases ⁷. Children and teens with severe obesity often experience mental health challenges like depression and emotional eating ⁴. The rising numbers mean that healthcare systems must prepare for more complex cases in younger patients ³.

What to ask your doctor

• What screening tools do you use to check for severe obesity in my child or teen?
• How often should we monitor my child's BMI and metabolic health markers?
• Are there early intervention programs available for families dealing with rising obesity rates?
• What mental health support is available for children struggling with severe obesity?