Since what year have American children been noted to have increased rates of obesity?

Increased rates of obesity among American children have been notably recognized since the 1970s. Data from that time shows a significant rise in obesity rates, which correlates with various social and environmental changes, including dietary shifts, increased consumption of processed foods, and a decline in physical activity levels among children.

The 1980s further emphasized this trend, showcasing a more pronounced spike in obesity statistics. Therefore, the correct starting point for noticing increased obesity rates aligns with the 1970s, marking a pivotal era in public health discussions around childhood obesity.

While acknowledging the earlier decades, such as the 1950s and 1960s, did not present substantial evidence of a widespread obesity issue among children, it is the patterns emerging from the 1970s onward that reflect the transformations in lifestyle and health metrics that led to the contemporary understanding of childhood obesity in the United States.