AMERICAN OVERWEIGHT FACTS

Based on body mass index categories defined by
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• About 65 percent of the U.S. adult population aged 20-74 years is overweight.
• 31 percent of overweight adults are obese.
• In 1976-80, only 47 percent and 15 percent of U.S. adults were overweight and obese, respectively.
• About 16 percent of American children and adolescents aged 6-19 years are currently overweight.
• In 1987 only 6 percent of children and adolescents were classified as overweight.
• Prior to 1976-80, such dramatic overweight and obesity rates were not observed in the U.S.
• Overweight and obese people are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, osteoarthritis and some cancers.
• Overweight and obesity are influenced by many genetic and environmental contributors.