Obesity Statistics Among Children

Obese children and teens are 26 percent more likely to suffer allergies--particularly food allergies--researchers say. In the study of 4,000 children, scientists found that obese kids were 59 percent more likely to have a food allergy, and more likely to show seasonal allergy symptoms in general. Researchers say it is not clear whether obesity causes allergies, but they suggest that keeping a child's weight in normal ranges may help prevent asthma and allergy problems in some children. Read more »