Arizona State University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Chicana and Chicano StudiesLatino Health Issues

Rates of Obesity in Hispanic Youth

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Since the late 1970s, the rate of obesity in Latino youth has increased by over 50%.

Prevalence of Obese Children
(Ages 6 to 11) at the
95th percentile of
Body Mass Index (BMI)

1999 to 2000

15.3%

1988 to 1994

11%

1976 to 1980

7%

 

    Statistics from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) show that
    over 16.8% of Latino boys and 15% of Latina girls are overweight.

    Specifically in Mexican-Americans, 25.6% of boys and 18.3% of girls are overweight.

      Studies have concluded that numerous factors play a role in the increasing obesity prevalence. Basically, eating too much and exercising too little has fostered the epidemic and with the many dangers that accompany obesity in both adults and children, something must be done now.

 

 

 
Accessibility | Privacy | ASU Disclaimer This site was created by Roxy Perez in fulfillment of requirements for the course CSS 335: Latino Health Issues taught by Dr. Szkupinski Quiroga at Arizona State University, Spring 2006.