Approximately what percentage of American elementary students are considered obese?

• A. Over 15%
• B. About 5%
• C. About 10%
• D. About 1%

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how common obesity is among elementary-age children and why that matters for physical education. In kids, obesity is defined using BMI relative to age and sex, specifically a BMI at or above the 95th percentile on CDC growth charts. Using those standards, estimates place obesity among elementary-age children in the high teens, roughly around 17%. So the best choice is the one that indicates more than 15%.

That means the other options—around 5%, about 10%, or about 1%—are clearly too low to reflect current data. Knowing that the proportion is well into the teens helps educators plan inclusive activities, monitor safety, and address health considerations without assuming most students are at a healthy weight.