On September 12th, 2024, The New York State Department of Health released a press release recognizing “National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month” and shared links regarding Obesity Statistics and Information on obesity rates in New York State school districts.

The Department remains committed to creating community environments, policies, and systems that support healthy food and beverage choices and safe and accessible physical activity opportunities, while also increasing efforts to reduce health disparities and inequities, a primary goal in the New York State Prevention Agenda 2019-2024.

"Childhood obesity is a complex disease caused by multiple medical, cultural, socioeconomic, genetic and lifestyle factors," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "It can be a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes, eating disorders, respiratory problems, depression and low self-esteem. The State Health Department remains committed to providing parents and caregivers with support and resources to keep their children healthy and creating communities that support healthy, active lifestyles for everyone."

Obesity affects some groups more than others, including adolescents, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black children and children with family income 130 percent or less of the Federal Poverty Level. These disparities in obesity are due to systemic and institutional barriers, such as lack of access to healthy, affordable foods and beverages, safe and convenient places for physical activity, and healthcare services. Disparities in obesity underscore the need to address social determinants of health, the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, to remove barriers to health. Strategies to address overweight and obesity should focus on improving the conditions and set of forces and systems shaping these conditions, for groups experiencing the greatest disparities in obesity.

Click here to read the complete NYSDOH press release and access links and resources.