As with adults, the prevalence of obesity in the young varies by ethnic group.
Some data indicate that obesity among children is on the increase.
A trained technician may obtain skinfold measures relatively easily in either a school or clinical setting. The triceps alone, triceps and subscapular, triceps and calf, and calf alone have been used with children and adolescents. Not all obese infants become obese children, and not all obese children become obese adults. Obesity presents numerous problems for the child. Some authorities feel that social and psychological problems are the most significant consequences of obesity in children.