Toddler Obesity Is on the Rise

One in 5 children and adolescents is now obese in the US, and that raises the risk of other health problems, like high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea and joint issues.

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• Following a downward trend from 2.1% in 2010 to 1.8% in 2016, severe obesity among children aged 2 to 4 years jumped back up to 2% in 2020

• Among certain states and ethnic groups, rates were even higher; prevalence of severe obesity among 2- to 4-year-olds reached 2.8% in California as well as in Hispanic children

• Severe early-onset obesit…