Childhood Obesity in Minority Populations in the United States

Obesity became a public health crisis in the United States, which affects both adults and children. 1,2,24,25 Approximately 31% of U.S. children and adolescents aged 2-19 years were overweight or obese, and almost 17% were obese in 1999-2004. 3-5,24 Studies suggest that increased consumption of more energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods with high levels of sugar and saturated fats, combined with reduced physical activity, have contributed to the rising obesity epidemic among children. 6,21,28 Childhood obesity increased the risk of many diet-related chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, and certain forms of cancers. 7 It is important to prevent or control the epidemic across all racial/ethnic groups. However, minority children have a higher prevalence rate of obesity than non-Hispanic white children. This current paper reviews the trends and factors that may contribute to the racial/ethnic disparity.