Understanding and Addressing Childhood Obesity in Indiana
by Tami Silverman, President & CEO of Indiana Youth Institute
Childhood obesity in Indiana is rising, and the latest data show a challenge that is both urgent and complex. According to the report Weight Trends Among Children and Adolescents within Central Indiana, more than one in five Hoosier children between the ages of 2 and 19 were living with obesity, and nearly 4 out of every 10 children in the region were overweight or obese. The share of overweight and obese children rose steadily over the last decade, with much of the rise occurring during the pandemic years. While the data for this report focus on central Indiana, these findings mirror trends found across the state.
Of particular concern is that the highest increase in obesity prevalence was found in our youngest children. Obesity prevalence among children ages 2 to 5 grew by 83% from 2014 to 2023, with most of that increase occurring during the pandemic. Boys in this age group saw the sharpest rise. Racial and ethnic disparities are also clear, with Hispanic and African American youth experiencing the highest increases, highlighting broader social and economic factors tied to health.
The impact of obesity extends well beyond the weight itself. Children living with obesity face greater risks of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and orthopedic problems, along with psychosocial challenges such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and social isolation. These concerns ripple into schools and communities, affecting attendance, focus, and participation in activities. Without intervention, childhood obesity often persists into adulthood, compounding the risks for lifelong chronic illnesses.
The economic stakes are also high. Children living with obesity face an estimated additional $19,000 in lifetime medical costs compared with their healthy-weight peers. These expenses burden families and the healthcare system, while the human cost in lost health, confidence, and opportunity, is even greater.
It is important to recognize that obesity is not simply the result of personal choices. Research confirms that it is shaped by multiple factors: genetics, access to nutritious food, neighborhood safety, sleep quality, and opportunities for physical activity. Food deserts, limited access to recreational spaces, and economic pressures often overwhelm families’ best intentions.
Tackling the issue requires a broad, community-wide approach, and it must be done without shaming or blaming children or families. Every child deserves support, encouragement, and access to the resources that foster health.
What Works
Evidence points to several strategies that can help reverse these trends:
- Start early: Healthy patterns begin before birth. A mother’s diet and activity during pregnancy influence a child’s future weight and metabolism. For infants, feeding and sleep routines matter. Soothing without food and promoting adequate rest reduces risk.
- Family-based approaches: Studies show that when parents and children make lifestyle changes together, results are more sustainable. Eating meals as a family, being active together, and modeling healthy behaviors support healthier outcomes. Family-based programs have helped children and parents maintain weight loss for up to a decade while also improving mental health.
- Nutrition and access: Offering fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing processed snacks and sugary drinks has long-term benefits. Schools and youth-serving organizations can provide healthy meals, educate youth about food choices, and ensure that healthier options are the most affordable and accessible.
- Physical activity: Children and adolescents need at least 60 minutes of movement each day, yet only 23% of Indiana high school students meet this standard. Expanding safe spaces for recreation, partnering with parks and community centers, and weaving short movement breaks into classrooms and after-school programs can help.
- Sleep and screen time: Insufficient sleep is linked to higher obesity risk even in infancy. Encouraging consistent bedtimes and reducing screen use improves both weight outcomes and mental health.
A Call to Action for Indiana
Reversing the childhood obesity trend in Indiana will require coordinated action among families, schools, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations. Parents can model healthy choices, share family meals, and limit screen time. Schools can facilitate and promote daily activity and ensure that food served in cafeterias supports health. Youth workers can integrate play, healthy snacks, and positive conversations about wellness into programs. Healthcare providers can screen for obesity early and connect families to resources. Policymakers can address systemic barriers ranging from improving nutritious food access to investing in safe recreational spaces, to helping children access preventive and other health care services.
Indiana Youth Institute is proud to partner with Jump IN for Healthy Kids on the latest data brief that makes this growing problem clear. While these trends are troubling, solutions exist and are within reach for Hoosier children when we work together.
Childhood obesity is a statewide issue, but it is also a statewide opportunity. Indiana can create an environment where every child has access to nutritious food, safe spaces to play, and supportive adults who reinforce healthy habits. By working together and rejecting shame and blame, we can give every child the foundation for a healthier, brighter future.
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