Childhood Obesity in 2024-2025: Global Trends and Persistent Challenges

Childhood obesity remains a significant global health concern in 2024-2025, with updated data showing persistent challenges and some regional variations. Here’s a concise overview based on the latest available information:

•  United States: The CDC reports that approximately 19.7% of children and adolescents aged 2-19 (about 14.7 million) had obesity from 2017-2020, with no significant change noted in 2024. Obesity prevalence is higher among Hispanic (26.2%) and non-Hispanic Black (24.8%) children compared to non-Hispanic White (16.6%) and Asian (9.0%) children. Rates increase with age: 12.7% for ages 2-5, 20.7% for 6-11, and 22.2% for 12-19. Socioeconomic disparities persist, with 25.8% prevalence in families at or below 130% of the federal poverty level versus 11.5% in wealthier households.

•  United Kingdom: The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) for 2023-2024 indicates that 9.2% of reception-age children (4-5 years) and 22.7% of Year 6 children (10-11 years) in England were obese. Inequalities are stark, with children in the most deprived areas over twice as likely to be obese (13.5% in reception, 30.8% in Year 6) compared to the least deprived (5.8% and 14.5%). Obesity rates have stabilized post-COVID but remain above pre-pandemic levels for older children.

•  Europe: The WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) 2022-2024 data shows that 25% of children aged 7-9 across 37 countries are overweight, with 11% obese. Boys are more affected (13% obese) than girls (9%). Post-COVID trends indicate rising obesity in countries like Finland, Malta, and Slovenia, with only San Marino reporting a decline. Most countries struggle to reduce rates, highlighting a need for stronger policies.

•  Global Trends: The World Obesity Atlas 2024 projects that 88% of children with overweight or obesity will live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by 2035. Globally, childhood obesity has nearly doubled since 1990, with 159 million children aged 5-19 affected in 2022. The Lancet forecasts continued increases through 2030, with current interventions falling short of WHO’s 2025 no-increase target.

•  Key Observations: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated obesity rates due to reduced physical activity and dietary shifts, with some regions seeing a partial recovery. Social determinants like poverty, ethnicity, and access to healthy food drive disparities. Screen time, ultra-processed foods, and declining physical education are major contributors. Promising interventions include family-based behavioral programs, school meal reforms, and digital weight management tools, though access to treatments like medications remains limited for children.