Obesity Rates Climbing For Rhode Island Children: Report

RHODE ISLAND — Childhood obesity rates for Rhode Island children are on the rise, according to a report released Tuesday by Rhode Island KIDS COUNT.

In 2020, 35 percent of Rhode Island children between ages 2 and 17 were either overweight or obese, according to the report. That's an increase from 31 percent the year prior.

"This new data clearly shows that we need to continue to carefully track childhood overweight and obesity," said a Kaitlyn Rabb, a policy analyst with Rhode Island KIDS COUNT. "The trend was going down from 2016-2019, but since the onset of the pandemic we have seen an increase that has wiped out previous progress."

According to the report, the pandemic played a significant role in the rise of childhood obesity in the Ocean State. Prior to the pandemic, just five Rhode Island communities had a childhood overweight and obesity rate above 36 percent. In the most recent report, there were 11 cities and towns reaching or exceeding that mark.

Those cities and towns were:

• Central Falls: 52 percent
• Woonsocket: 48 percent
• Pawtucket: 43 percent
• North Providence: 43 percent
• Johnston: 39 percent
• New Shoreham: 39 percent
• East Providence: 38 percent
• Providence: 36 percent
• Burrillville: 36 percent
• West Warwick: 36 percent
• Cranston: 36 percent

Black and Hispanic children were disproportionately impacted, the report said, with 41 percent of both populations being either overweight or obese.

"We need to look at the root causes of this increase and the ongoing disparities in rates by race, ethnicity, and insurance status — and act to address these root causes,"Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Deputy Director Stephanie Geller said in a statement. "This includes ensuring equitable access to nutritious and affordable foods for families and increasing opportunities for safe and accessible physical activity for all children in their schools and communities."