There are many reasons why some youth are not as healthy as other youth in San Mateo County. Some factors that contribute to youth being overweight or obese are race, wealth, poverty, where you live, and whether your parents work more than one job. Click here to see some of the causes and consequences of childhood obesity.
In San Mateo County, not all kids and youth are equally affected by diseases such as obesity and health conditions such as being overweight. Because of the factors mentioned above, some kids have a greater chance of being overweight or obese. When some youth are more likely to be affected by a disease like obesity, this is called a health disparity.
For example, African American, Latino, and Tongan youth are more likely to be overweight or obese than Asian or White youth in San Mateo County.
Research also shows that people who have less income are more likely to be overweight or obese.¹
In certain parts of San Mateo County, youth do not eat as well and are less physically active than in other parts of the county. See the table below for information about which cities have higher rates of childhood obesity and overweight than other cities.
Click here to read more about a series of films that address health disparities in the U.S.
¹Does social class predict diet quality?, Darmon N, Drewnowski A.