- Categories:
- Health
- Tags:
- AwarenessChildrenDiseases
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every September
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍎
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month dedicates every September to empowering families with knowledge and tools for prevention. This vital observance provides opportunities for communities, schools, and parents to share resources, promote healthy habits, and engage in activities that support children’s well-being. Join the movement by advocating for healthier lifestyles and participating in local events.
Want to sponsor National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month? Learn how
Expected National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month Deals
As a Cause holiday, National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month focuses on education, advocacy, and fundraising rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics will likely promote awareness campaigns, offering free resources and educational materials. Many local health departments and community centers, often supported by partners like the YMCA, will host free health screenings, family fitness events, and nutrition workshops throughout September. Look for donation-matching programs from corporate partners and opportunities to support research and intervention programs. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as September approaches.
Platform Guide for National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #ChildhoodObesityAwarenessMonth. Share professional insights on prevention strategies or workplace wellness initiatives.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ChildhoodObesityAwarenessMonth. Share family-friendly healthy recipes, activity ideas, or local event listings.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #ChildhoodObesityAwarenessMonth. Post vibrant photos of healthy meals, active kids, or community health events.
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month Hero
Michelle Obama
History of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
For good reason, childhood obesity has been dubbed “one of the most serious public health challenges of the twenty-first century.” Obesity puts a child at risk for a variety of medical issues later in life, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and joint problems. The purpose of this holiday is to educate the nation on obesity and encourage people to join in efforts to help children overcome this disorder.
The Surgeon General’s office in the United States was established in 1870, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that childhood obesity became a priority. The Surgeon General issued a report in 1963 that linked smoking to lung cancer and heart disease. The report also identified obesity as a significant public health issue; however, it was overshadowed by smoking-related issues at the time.
It wasn’t until recently that there was a heightened awareness of childhood obesity. The first case of type-two diabetes in a child was reported in 1980. This was concerning because type-two diabetes was thought to be an adult-only illness. The Surgeon General issued a warning to Americans about the rise in childhood obesity in 2000. By 2006, over 25 research studies on childhood obesity had been conducted in an attempt to better understand and combat it.
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month timeline
It is established to collect information about the causes of death and diseases in the U.S.
Childhood obesity is finally viewed as a serious issue.
The first case in a child occurs and it’s concerning because most people believe that this illness can only be contracted by adults.
Over 25 research studies are conducted on childhood obesity to find ways to better understand and combat it.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
Local businesses, especially those in health, food, and fitness, can play a crucial role in National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Health clinics can offer free screenings or educational workshops for families. Grocery stores can highlight healthy food options and provide kid-friendly recipe cards. Fitness centers can host family-focused activity days or offer special rates for youth programs. Restaurants might feature healthier kids’ menu options or partner with local schools for nutrition education.
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month FAQs
When is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month?
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month runs throughout September 2026, dedicating the entire month to educating families on prevention and promoting healthy lifestyles.
How many children are affected by obesity in the U.S.?
According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 5 children and adolescents aged 2-19 years in the United States are affected by obesity in 2026. This highlights the ongoing public health challenge.
What is the goal of Childhood Obesity Awareness Month?
The primary goal for 2026 is to increase public understanding of the risks associated with childhood obesity and to provide actionable steps for families to adopt healthier eating and activity habits.
What are common strategies to prevent childhood obesity?
Key strategies for 2026 include promoting balanced nutrition with plenty of fruits and vegetables, encouraging at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, and limiting screen time. Family involvement is crucial.
How to Observe National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
Learn about childhood obesity
Observe Childhood Obesity Awareness Month by learning more about the disease and how to prevent it. Educate yourself, your family and friends, your school, and your community.
Organize a local event
Anyone can organize a local event to teach children the value of physical activity and healthy eating for their overall well-being. Many resources are available on the website to assist you in commemorating this month and educating children about obesity.
Donate to an organization
Donate to a charity that fights childhood obesity. There are great organizations out there doing wonderful things for our children. Consider donating to one of these wonderful organizations right now.
5 Important Facts About Childhood Obesity
One in six children are affected
More than 12.7 million American children have obesity — that’s almost 20% of all children aged two to 19.
Overweight children become overweight adults
Obese children are much more likely to become obese adults, as well as develop life-threatening diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Your ethnicity affects your likelihood of obesity
Obesity affects approximately 48% of non-Hispanic Blacks, 42% of Hispanics, 36% of non-Hispanic Whites, and 12% of non-Hispanic Asians.
Childhood obesity can lead to depression
Children who are overweight are much more likely to be bullied than their normal-weight peers.
Snacking adds an additional 200 daily calories
Kids snack a lot, especially when they're watching T.V. or playing video games, and one study found that children consume about 200 extra calories per day.
Why National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month is Important
It promotes healthy eating habits
The holiday promotes healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle. This will help kids reach a healthy weight for their age, height, and gender.
It encourage parents
It encourages parents to be role models for their children by eating healthy foods, being physically active, and limiting screen time. Plus, it gives parents the information they need to make informed decisions on raising healthy kids.
It educates parents
This month educates parents about the importance of fruit and vegetables. It also teaches them how to eliminate sugary drinks from their children’s diets.
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 1 | Friday |
| 2029 | September 1 | Saturday |
| 2030 | September 1 | Sunday |
Social Media Tips for National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
Individuals
Creators
Brands