Locations
Delaware
Statistics on children, youth and families in Delaware from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and KIDS COUNT in Delaware
Child weight status according to body mass index
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Why This Indicator Matters
Smart states are those that pay attention to effective policies and programs that would get communities in good shape. Experts agree that being healthy and fit in adulthood is largely determined by the communities that we live in and habits that we develop as children. When schools serve nutritious foods and invest time in physical education, they become learning environments that shape strong minds and bodies. When parents don't have access to healthy food because they live in a neighborhood where access to fresh produce and other healthy foods is limited, this makes it almost impossible to offer healthy diets at home. Initiatives such as community gardens can help make healthy food available to everyone. neighborhood amenities such as parks, recreation center, sidewalks and libraries make it safer for children to engage in physical activity and serve as a vehicle for socializing, increased time outdoors and enhanced quality of life.
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Definition and Source
PROVIDER
Definition
Weight status of children ages 10-17 based on Body Mass Index (BMI), two-year average:
Underweight = less than 5th percentile
Normal weight = 5th to 84th percentile
Overweight = 85th to 94th percentile
Obese = 95th percentile or above
Data Source
Center for Child and Adolescent Health, National Survey of Children's Health
Last Updated
December 2022