Overweight and obesity are labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. The terms also identify ranges of weight that have been shown to increase the likelihood of certain diseases and other health problems.  This study analyzed heights and weights of children as reported by their parents during the surveys.  

Study findings included the following:

While overweight prevalence among the total population did not increase significantly between 2003 and 2007, it increased 9 percent among female children.Overweight prevalence varied from a low of 23.1 percent in Utah to a high of 44.5 percent in Mississippi.Obesity prevalence nearly doubled among female children in Arizona and Kansas.

The study observed links between changes in childhood obesity prevalence and selected sociodemographic, behavioral and neighborhood characteristics. It found that the risks of obesity or overweight increased significantly in relation to decreased household income, lower neighborhood access to parks or sidewalks, lower levels of physical activity, and increased television viewing time and computer use.

The authors are recommending that prevention programs not only aim to reduce physical inactivity and "screen time," but also include policies that improve the broader social and physical environments that put children at higher risk of poor diet, inactivity and sedentary activities.

SOURCE Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)