A majority (56%) of Kentucky adults say childhood obesity is a serious problem in the state, according to the most recent Kentucky Health Issues Poll.
Approximately 1 in 3 (34%) Kentucky children ages 10 to 17 are overweight or obese, similar to the same age group nationally (31%). The percentage of children who are overweight or obese has remained stable in the past decade in Kentucky and across the nation.
“Childhood obesity continues to be a significant problem in our region,” says O’dell Moreno Owens, M.D., M.P.H., President and CEO of Interact for Health. “March is National Nutrition Month and a good time to begin healthy eating habits for the whole family. Nutritious meals can make a huge difference in how children feel, learn and perform in activities.”
Opinions vary across Kentucky
Adults in the Louisville (65%) and Lexington (61%) areas are more likely than adults in other parts of Kentucky to name childhood obesity as a serious problem. Fewer Northern Kentucky adults (49%) consider childhood obesity as a serious problem.
More than 1 in 3 say childhood obesity in Kentucky is a problem but not serious (35%). Less than 1 in 10 say it is not a problem (6%). Responses are nearly identical to responses in 2009.
The 2017 Kentucky Health Issues Poll (KHIP) is funded by Interact for Health and the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.
