Trends in state/territorial obesity prevalence by race/ethnicity among U.S. low‐income, preschool‐aged children

Summary Background Understanding state/territorial trends in obesity by race/ethnicity helps focus resources on populations at risk. Objective This study aimed to examine trends in obesity prevalence among low‐income, preschool‐aged children from 2008 through 2011 in U.S . states and territories by race/ethnicity. Methods We used measured weight and height records of 11.1 million children aged 2–4 years who participated in federally funded health and nutrition programmes in 40 states, the D istrict of C olumbia and two U.S . territories. We used logistic regression to examine obesity prevalence trends, controlling for age and sex. Results From 2008 through 2011, the aggregated obesity prevalence declined among all racial/ethnic groups (decreased by 0.4–0.9%) except A merican I ndians/ A laska N atives ( AI / ANs ); the largest decrease was among A sians/ P acific I slanders ( A / PIs ). Declines were significant among non‐ H ispanic whites in 14 states, non‐ H ispanic blacks in seven states/territories, H ispanics in 13 states, A / PIs in five states and AI / ANs in one state. Increases were significant among non‐ H ispanic whites in four states, non‐ H ispanic blacks in three states, H ispanics in two states and A / PIs in one state. The majority of the states/territories had no change in obesity prevalence. Conclusions Our findings indicate slight reductions in obesity prevalence and variations in obesity trends, but disparities exist for some states and racial/ethnic groups.