Your Kids Health Guide & Information Center!

Health

The health of the Nation's children continues to improve in many areas. In contrast to these improvements, the prevalence of overweight among U.S. children has increased sharply.

HEALTH: Overweight

Percentage of children ages 6 to 18 who are overweight. Overweight is defined as body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention BMI-for-age growth charts. BMI is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters.

SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National

Behavior and Social Environment

Young people's participation in illegal or high-risk behaviors, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, using illicit drugs, and engaging in violent crimes, has long-term consequences for our Nation's youth.

A good size decline in the level of violence affecting young people is one of the most favorable trends in recent years. Dramatic declines have been observed in both serious violent crime victimization of youth and offending (perpetration) by youth.

Prevention of cigarette smoking among adolescents is a national public health priority.

Illicit drug use did not decrease significantly. Nonetheless, illicit drug use is lower overall.

Heavy drinking by youth remains steady across all age groups. The pattern of illicit drugs and heavy drinking is a big issue.

Economic Security

Economic indicators, such as poverty status, secure parental employment, and food security, offer some insight into the material well-being of children, and to what extent they may have difficulty growing up and achieving their goals because they lack economic resources.