Drop in Obesity Among 2- to 4-Year-Olds Enrolled in WIC

Drop in Obesity Among 2- to 4-Year-Olds Enrolled in WIC
Obesity declined to 13.9% in 2016

Obesity declined to 13.9% in 2016. Despite this progress, childhood obesity prevalence remains high

What’s New: 

Obesity declined among children from low-income families enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Obesity among WIC-enrolled 2- to 4-year-olds decreased from 15.9% in 2010 to 13.9% in 2016 . 

Between 2010–2016, all age, sex, and major race/ethnic groups saw modest improvements in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among young children enrolled in WIC. The data comes from a new study published today in the Journal of American Medical Association .

Despite the progress, childhood obesity prevalence remains high, and people with obesity face significant health and social challenges. Obesity affects 93.3 million American adults and 13.7 million American children. 

Childhood obesity is more common among children from lower-income families, as many lack access to healthy, affordable foods and beverages and opportunities for low-cost physical activity. Children with obesity are at higher risk for having other chronic health conditions and diseases, such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, and type 2 diabetes. 

These lifelong health risks associated with obesity during early childhood underscore the importance of preventing and identifying obesity as early as possible. For more information about CDC’s childhood obesity prevention efforts, visit www.cdc.gov/obesity.