Overweight and Obesity Statistics

Obesity is making the headlines in every state of our country. Current statistics place 64 percent of the adult population within some definition of obesity, from overweight to morbid obesity. Women and men are about equally represented (64.5 million women, 65.1 million men) in the 129.5 million American adults who are overweight. Nearly 62 percent of women and 67 percent of men are overweight. These statistics mean that less than half of the American adult population is of a healthy weight!

So, how many Americans are obese? About one-third of adult Americans: 34.7 million (33.4 percent) of women and 26.6 million (27.5 percent) of men.

Obesity statistics are somewhat more difficult to gather for children and teenagers, as no defining criteria have been established. However, using growth charts the number of young Americans that are overweight can be determined. According to year 2000 statistics 15.3 percent of children ages 6 through 11 and 15.5 percent of children ages 12 through 19 were overweight.

The prevalence of overweight among American children, teenagers and adults is rising. Before long obesity will surpass tobacco use as the most preventable health epidemic of the 21st century.

About Obesity
We all know that obesity contributes to a number of potentially severe health conditions, but how do we know if we are obese? What are the causes of obesity and how can it be prevented?

Obesity Issues
From weight discrimination and working with insurance companies to dealing with the stereotype that obesity is caused by fast food, the issues dealt with by the overweight and obese are numerous.

Obesity Treatment
Treating obesity or overweight does not only involve "diet." It is a combination of watching the foods we eat, making changes to our lifestyles and in some cases medical or surgical intervention.

Effects of Obesity
While obesity can negatively affect a person's physical health, it also tends to weigh on an obese person's emotional and psychological health. Feelings of sluggishness, heart problems and difficulty breathing are often accompanied by low self-esteem and depression.

Obesity and Cancer
Medical experts have long known that a health diet and regular exercise play a role in cancer prevention. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, obese people had about a 25 percent greater chance of developing breast, colon and kidney cancer.

Resource

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease-Weight-Control Information Network. (modified 2004). Statistics related to overweight and obesity.