Obesity is a significant health concern in the United States, affecting millions of adults and children. Understanding the prevalence of overweight and obesity is crucial for addressing this public health issue. This article delves into the latest statistics to answer the question: What Percentage Of Americans Are Obese? We will explore the definitions of overweight and obesity, examine current rates across different demographics, and discuss the concerning trends in obesity within the US population.
Understanding Overweight and Obesity
Before diving into the statistics, it’s important to define what it means to be overweight and obese. These terms describe a condition where a person’s weight is higher than what is considered healthy for their height. The most common tool used to estimate and screen for overweight and obesity is the Body Mass Index (BMI).
Defining Overweight and Obesity (BMI)
BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²). While BMI doesn’t directly measure body fat, it is a useful indicator as it correlates with body fat levels. Higher levels of body fat can significantly increase the risk of various health problems. Healthcare professionals use BMI to assess potential health risks associated with a person’s weight.
BMI Categories for Adults and Children
BMI ranges are categorized differently for adults and children due to the varying body composition during growth.
BMI Categories for Adults (Ages 20 and Older)
| BMI Range | Classification |
|---|---|
| 18.5 to 24.9 | Normal or Healthy Weight |
| 25 to 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30 or greater | Obesity (including severe obesity) |
| 40 or greater | Severe Obesity |
For adults, a BMI of 25 to 29.9 indicates overweight, while a BMI of 30 or higher signifies obesity. Severe obesity is classified as a BMI of 40 or greater. You can easily calculate your BMI using online tools provided by health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
BMI Percentiles for Children and Teens
For children and teenagers (ages 2 to 19), BMI interpretation is age and sex-specific. Instead of fixed ranges, BMI is compared against growth charts to determine a percentile. This percentile indicates how a child’s BMI compares to other children of the same age and sex.
| Weight Status Category | Percentile Range |
|---|---|
| Underweight | Less than the 5th percentile |
| Normal or Healthy Weight | 5th percentile to less than the 85th percentile |
| Overweight | 85th percentile to less than the 95th percentile |
| Obesity | 95th percentile or greater |
| Severe Obesity | 120% of the 95th percentile |
For example, a child in the 85th to less than 95th percentile is considered overweight, and a child at or above the 95th percentile is considered to have obesity. These percentiles account for the natural changes in body composition during childhood and adolescence. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial for assessing a child’s weight status and potential health risks.
Obesity Statistics in the US
Now, let’s examine the crucial statistics that answer the question: what percentage of Americans are obese? The data presented here is primarily based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a reliable source for health statistics in the United States.
Adult Obesity Rates
Recent data from NHANES (2017-2018) provides a clear picture of adult obesity rates in the US.
Overall Adult Obesity Percentage
According to the 2017-2018 NHANES data:
- 42.4% of US adults have obesity. This means that more than 2 in 5 American adults are classified as obese.
- 9.2% of US adults have severe obesity. This is a subset of the obese population with a BMI of 40 or higher.
- 30.7% of US adults are overweight. Adding this to the obesity rate, a staggering 73.1% of American adults are either overweight or obese.
These figures highlight the widespread nature of weight issues in the adult population of the United States.
Obesity by Gender
While overall obesity rates are high, there are some gender differences to note:
- 43.0% of adult men have obesity compared to 41.9% of adult women. While the difference is not statistically significant, it indicates a slightly higher prevalence of obesity among men.
- However, severe obesity is more prevalent among women (11.5%) than men (6.9%).
These gender-specific statistics reveal nuances within the overall obesity numbers.
Obesity by Race and Ethnicity
Obesity rates also vary significantly across different racial and ethnic groups:
- Non-Hispanic Black adults have the highest obesity rate at 49.6%. This is nearly half of the non-Hispanic Black adult population.
- Hispanic adults have the second-highest rate at 44.8%.
- Non-Hispanic White adults have an obesity rate of 42.2%.
- Non-Hispanic Asian adults have the lowest obesity rate at 17.4%.
These disparities underscore the influence of socioeconomic factors, cultural norms, and access to healthy food and resources on obesity prevalence within different communities.
Severe Obesity in Adults
Severe obesity, a particularly concerning category, also shows variations across demographics:
- Non-Hispanic Black adults have the highest rate of severe obesity at 13.8%.
- Non-Hispanic White adults follow at 9.3%.
- Hispanic adults have a rate of 7.9%.
- Non-Hispanic Asian adults have the lowest rate of severe obesity at 2.0%.
These figures mirror the trends seen in overall obesity, with non-Hispanic Black adults experiencing the highest burden of severe obesity.
Childhood Obesity Rates
Childhood obesity is another critical area of concern, with potentially long-lasting health consequences.
Overall Childhood Obesity Percentage
According to the 2017-2018 NHANES data for children and adolescents aged 2 to 19:
- 19.3% of US children and adolescents have obesity. Nearly 1 in 5 young people in the US are obese.
- 6.1% of US children and adolescents have severe obesity.
- 16.1% of US children and adolescents are overweight. Combined with obesity, over 35% of young people are facing weight issues.
These statistics paint a worrying picture of the current and future health of America’s youth.
Obesity by Age Group (Children)
Obesity prevalence varies across different age groups within childhood:
- Adolescents aged 12-19 have the highest obesity rate at 21.2%.
- Children aged 6-11 are close behind at 20.3%.
- Younger children aged 2-5 have a slightly lower rate, but still significant, at 13.4%.
The increasing rate with age suggests that environmental and lifestyle factors play a growing role as children get older.
Obesity by Gender and Race/Ethnicity (Children)
Similar to adults, childhood obesity rates are also influenced by gender and race/ethnicity:
- Non-Hispanic Black girls have the highest obesity rate at 29.1%.
- Mexican American boys follow closely at 29.2%.
- Non-Hispanic White boys (17.4%) and girls (14.8%) have lower rates compared to Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Black youth.
- Non-Hispanic Asian children have the lowest rates, with girls at 5.1% and boys at 12.4%.
These disparities highlight the need for targeted interventions to address childhood obesity within specific populations.
Trends in Obesity Over Time
Beyond current statistics, understanding the trends in obesity rates over time is essential to grasp the evolving nature of this public health challenge.
Adult Obesity Trends
Obesity rates in adults have been steadily increasing over the past few decades:
- Between 1999-2000 and 2017-2018, the prevalence of obesity in adults increased significantly from 30.5% to 42.4%.
- Severe obesity also more than doubled during this period, rising from 4.7% to 9.2%.
This upward trend underscores the growing urgency to address the root causes of adult obesity.
Childhood Obesity Trends
Similarly, childhood obesity rates have also seen a dramatic increase over several decades:
- The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents aged 2-19 has roughly doubled between 1988-1994 and 2017-2018.
- While there have been some fluctuations in younger age groups, the overall trend for childhood obesity remains upward.
This alarming trend highlights the need for early intervention and prevention strategies to combat childhood obesity.
Causes and Health Consequences
Understanding what percentage of Americans are obese is only the first step. It’s equally important to consider the factors driving these rates and the health consequences associated with overweight and obesity.
Factors Contributing to Obesity
Obesity is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, including:
- Genetics: Genetic predisposition can influence an individual’s susceptibility to weight gain.
- Diet and Nutrition: Consumption of calorie-dense foods, sugary drinks, and lack of access to healthy food options contribute to weight gain.
- Physical Activity: Reduced levels of physical activity and increased sedentary behaviors play a significant role.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, food insecurity, and lack of safe environments for physical activity are major contributors, particularly in certain communities.
- Sleep Habits: Insufficient or poor sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism.
- Medical Conditions and Medications: Certain medical conditions and medications can also contribute to weight gain.
Health Risks Associated with Obesity
Overweight and obesity significantly increase the risk of numerous health problems, including:
- Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
- Joint Problems: Conditions like osteoarthritis due to added stress on joints.
- Liver Disease: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and other liver complications.
- Gallstones: Increased risk of gallstone formation.
- Certain Cancers: Obesity is linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer.
- Sleep Apnea and Breathing Problems: Obstructive sleep apnea and other respiratory issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the statistics clearly indicate that a significant percentage of Americans are obese. Over 42% of adults and nearly 20% of children and adolescents in the US are currently classified as obese. These rates are even higher in certain racial and ethnic groups and have been steadily increasing over the past decades.
Addressing this public health crisis requires a multifaceted approach. This includes promoting healthy eating habits, encouraging regular physical activity, addressing socioeconomic disparities that contribute to obesity, and developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Understanding the scope and trends of obesity in America is a crucial step towards creating a healthier future for all.
References
Original Article Content and Data from National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health
