Few Overweight Children & Teens Covered By Maryland Medicaid/CHIP Screened For Obesity-Related Conditions

Among children between age 2 and 19 enrolled in Maryland Medicaid or the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) between 2005 and 2010, more than 35% were overweight or obese, but few received a lipid panel test. About 16.5% were overweight for their height and age, but only 29.9% received a lipid panel test. About 21.4% were obese, but only 40.2% received a lipid panel test. The rates of documented dietary and exercise counseling were also lower than recommended. Nationwide, about 31.8% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese; and 16.9% are obese . . .