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.