Overweight and Obesity Statistics Your Should Know
Since the 1960s, obesity has increased at an alarming rate. More Americans are overweight and obese than ever before. Lack of exercise and poor diet are two leading causes of obesity, and Americans need to become more aware of their eating and health habits if they wish to avoid the diseases obesity causes.
Below are some facts on average weight and obesity statistics. These facts are based on the 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) initiated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
U.S. Weight Statistics
Weight Statistics:Approximately 34% of all adults in the United States are considered to have a healthy weight. Adults include anyone over the age of 20. To be considered healthy in terms of weight, you need to have a body mass index (BMI) between 18.0 and 25.0 (not equal to 25.0). When broken down according to gender, approximately 35% of all adult females have a healthy weight and 32% of all adult males.
Overweight Statistics:Approximately 65% of all adults in the United States are overweight. Adults include anyone over the age of 20. To be considered overweight, you need to have a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 or higher. When broken down according to gender, approximately 62% of all adult females are overweight and 67% percent of all adult males.
Obesity Statistics:Approximately 31% of all adults in the United States are obese. Adults include anyone over the age of 20. To be considered overweight, you need to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30.0 or higher. When broken down according to gender, approximately 33% of all adult females are obese and 28% percent of all adult males.
If you have a BMI of 30 or higher, you should consult a doctor. Obesity can lead to serious health issues if not addressed early on.
Overweight and Obesity Statistics in Minorities
In addition to diet and lack of exercise, obesity can also be a result of your genetics. If there’s a history of obesity in your family, it is quite possible you will also end up fighting obesity. Genetics differ significantly between ethnicities. Here is a look at weight and obesity based on ethnicity and gender.
African Americans:Approximately 77% of all adult African American females in the United States are overweight or obese. Approximately 61% of all African American males in the United States are overweight or obese. Adults include anyone over the age of 20.
Hispanic Americans:Approximately 72% of all adult Hispanic American females in the United States are overweight or obese. Approximately 75% of all Hispanic American males in the United States are overweight or obese. Adults include anyone over the age of 20.
Non-Hispanic White Americans: Approximately 57% of all adult non-Hispanic white American females in the United States are overweight or obese. Approximately 67% of all non-Hispanic white American males in the United States are overweight or obese. Adults include anyone over the age of 20.
Based on the above findings, there is a higher occurrence of overweight/obesity in adult female minorities.
Obesity is a serious concern in the United States. Based on these overweight and obesity statistics, the problem is only getting worse. If you’re overweight or obese, consult a physician before it’s too late.
For more information on obesity and obesity statistics, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
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