Obesity trends are not higher among poor children, though some low-income children are classified as overweight and others are at risk for high weight. Poor children may be mildly undernourished and still avoid weight loss if their diets are insufficient in nutrients but not total energy. Many children from food-insecure homes show signs of poor nutrition, like stunted height or low levels of iron in the blood, and poor families have many disadvantages that lead to sub-optimal food choices and limited access to physical activity. It is for these reasons that some poor youngsters, even those who experience food insecurity, may be classified as overweight.

Any time a family alters its diet to stretch the limited food dollar, the children are at risk. Undernutrition continues to impair child health and cognitive function, so it is critical to support policies and programs that help poor families achieve economic strength and food security. Federal nutrition programs that target low-income parents and their children play a key role in the promotion of healthy diets.