Overweight children are at greater risk for many health problems, including high blood pressure and cholesterol, breathing problems, fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, and bone and joint problems. Overweight children and adolescents are also more likely to face social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem and to be overweight as adults.

In 2022, 43% of students were overweight or obese, similar to 2021. The rate was similar for males and females, but varied across racial and ethnic groups: highest for Hispanic students at 53%, 49% for African American students, 38% for white students and 32% for Asian students. No national data was available for this indicator.

Within Arkansas, rates were highest in Monroe and Chicot counties (both at 56%) and lowest in Montgomery County (34%).

Data is from a sample of students in grades K, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 in all public schools in Arkansas.