The prevalence of obesity in the United States has risen gradually over the past decade. As of 2023, around ** percent of the population aged 18 years and older was obese. Obesity is a growing problem in many parts of the world, but is particularly troubling in the United States. Obesity in the United States The states with the highest prevalence of obesity are West Virginia, Mississippi, and Arkansas. As of 2023, a shocking ** percent of the population in West Virginia were obese. The percentage of adults aged 65 years and older who are obese has grown in recent years, compounding health issues that develop with age. Health impacts of obesity Obesity is linked to several negative health impacts including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Unsurprisingly, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes has increased in the United States over the years. As of 2022, around *** percent of the population had been diagnosed with diabetes. Some of the most common types of cancers caused by obesity include breast cancer in postmenopausal women, colon and rectum cancer, and corpus and uterus cancer.

In 2023, Black adults had the highest obesity rates of any race or ethnicity in the United States, followed by American Indians/Alaska Natives and Hispanics. As of that time, around ** percent of all Black adults were obese. Asians/Pacific Islanders had by far the lowest obesity rates. Obesity in the United States Obesity is a present and growing problem in the United States. An astonishing ** percent of the adult population in the U.S. is now considered obese. Obesity rates can vary substantially by state, with around ** percent of the adult population in West Virginia reportedly obese, compared to ** percent of adults in Colorado. The states with the highest rates of obesity include West Virginia, Mississippi, and Arkansas. Diabetes Being overweight and obese can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Being overweight or obese is one of the most common causes of type 2 diabetes, a condition in which the body does not use insulin properly, causing blood sugar levels to rise. It is estimated that just over ***** percent of adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes is now the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for ***** percent of all deaths.

West Virginia, Mississippi, and Arkansas are the U.S. states with the highest percentage of their population who are obese. The states with the lowest percentage of their population who are obese include Colorado, Hawaii, and Massachusetts. Obesity in the United States Obesity is a growing problem in many countries around the world, but the United States has the highest rate of obesity among all OECD countries. The prevalence of obesity in the United States has risen steadily over the previous two decades, with no signs of declining. Obesity in the U.S. is more common among women than men, and overweight and obesity rates are higher among African Americans than any other race or ethnicity. Causes and health impacts Obesity is most commonly the result of a combination of poor diet, overeating, physical inactivity, and a genetic susceptibility. Obesity is associated with various negative health impacts, including an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancer, and diabetes type 2. As of 2022, around 8.4 percent of the U.S. population had been diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes is currently the eighth leading cause of death in the United States.

The adult obesity rate, or the percentage of the county population (age 18 and older*) that is obese, or has a Body Mass Index (BMI) equal to or greater than 30 [kg/m2], is illustrative of a serious health problem, in Champaign County, statewide, and nationally.

The adult obesity rate data shown here spans from Reporting Years (RY) 2015 to 2024. Champaign County’s adult obesity rate fluctuated during this time, peaking in RY 2022. The adult obesity rates for Champaign County, Illinois, and the United States were all above 30% in RY 2024, but the Champaign County rate was lower than the state and national rates. All counties in Illinois had an adult obesity rate above 30% in RY 2024, but Champaign County's rate is one of the lowest among all Illinois counties.

Obesity is a health problem in and of itself, and is commonly known to exacerbate other health problems. It is included in our set of indicators because it can be easily measured and compared between Champaign County and other areas.

This data was sourced from the University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute’s and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. Each year’s County Health Rankings uses data from the most recent previous years that data is available. Therefore, the 2024 County Health Rankings (“Reporting Year” in the table) uses data from 2021 (“Data Year” in the table). The survey methodology changed in Reporting Year 2015 for Data Year 2011, which is why the historical data shown here begins at that time. No data is available for Data Year 2018. The County Health Rankings website notes to use caution if comparing RY 2024 data with prior years.

*The percentage of the county population measured for obesity was age 20 and older through Reporting Year 2021, but starting in Reporting Year 2022 the percentage of the county population measured for obesity was age 18 and older.

Source: University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. County Health Rankings & Roadmaps 2024. www.countyhealthrankings.org.

Obesity rates for each Census Tract in Allegheny County were produced for the study “Developing small-area predictions for smoking and obesity prevalence in the United States." The data is not explicitly based on population surveys or data collection conducted in Allegheny County, but rather estimated using statistical modeling techniques. In this technique, researchers applied the obesity rate of a demographically similar census tract to one in Allegheny County to compute an obesity rate.

In 2023, it was estimated that around 37 percent of adults with an annual income of less than 15,000 U.S. dollars were obese, compared to 29 percent of those with an annual income of 75,000 dollars or more. This statistic shows the percentage of U.S. adults who were obese in 2023, by income.

Obesity has become a major concern for health officials in the United States. Rates of obesity are higher than ever before and as a result, consequential medical conditions have arisen in those who suffer from obesity; while at the same time, medical expenses are skyrocketing for these same individuals. In this study, I analyze regional trends in the United States of both obesity rates and walkability in 74 cities in the United States. After analyzing the data and constructing visual representations, I found that the Northeast region of the US is most walkable, while the Southeast and Southwestern regions are the least walkable. In regards to obesity rates, I found that the West had the lowest obesity rates in both 2010 and 2013, while the Midwest and the Southeast had a high obesity rate in both 2010 and 2013. Additionally, the Northeastern US had a high obesity rate in 2013.

United States Prevalence of Overweight: % of Adults data was reported at 67.900 % in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 67.400 % for 2015. United States Prevalence of Overweight: % of Adults data is updated yearly, averaging 55.200 % from Dec 1975 (Median) to 2016, with 42 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 67.900 % in 2016 and a record low of 41.000 % in 1975. United States Prevalence of Overweight: % of Adults data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of overweight adults is the percentage of adults ages 18 and over whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is more than 25 kg/m2. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height, or the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters.;World Health Organization, Global Health Observatory Data Repository (http://apps.who.int/ghodata/).;;

Introduction

School Lunches and Obesity Statistics: The connection between school lunches and obesity is crucial. These meals significantly affect children's nutrition and eating habits.

Nutritional standards, such as those established by the National School Lunch Program in the U.S. Encourage healthier choices by emphasizing low saturated fats and increased fruits and vegetables.

Access to nutritious lunches can enhance dietary quality and reduce food insecurity for low-income families.

Nevertheless, issues related to high caloric intake and unhealthy food options persist, contributing to obesity.

To address this, strategies such as nutrition education, expanding healthy food choices, and encouraging physical activity in schools are vital for promoting healthier lifestyles among children.

Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obesity Among Adults Aged 20 and Over by Selected Population Characteristics

Context:

This dataset provides data on the prevalence of normal weight, overweight, and obesity among adults aged 20 and over, segmented by various population characteristics. The data is sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). This dataset is invaluable for understanding the distribution and trends of weight-related health metrics across different demographics in the United States.

Source: - National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES): Conducted by NCHS. - Supporting Documentation: Refer to the HUS 2019 Data Finder for detailed definitions, measures, and changes over time. - Appendix Entry: Additional information available in the corresponding Appendix entry.

Source URLs: - HUS 2019 Data Finder - Appendix Entry - Data.gov Dataset

Dataset Details and Key Features

This dataset includes data collected over multiple time periods, providing insights into the weight distribution among adults aged 20 and over. Key features include segmentation by sex and specific age ranges.

Key Features:

• Time Coverage: Data spans several decades, from 1988-2018.
• Demographic Breakdown: Includes data by sex and age groups, allowing for detailed analysis.
• Percentage Data: Provides percentage estimates of normal weight, overweight, and obesity.
• Standard Error: Includes standard error for each estimate, indicating the precision of the estimates.

Usage

Research and Analysis:

• Health Trends: Study trends in weight distribution among different demographic groups.
• Public Health Initiatives: Inform public health strategies and interventions targeting obesity and overweight issues.
• Socioeconomic Analysis: Analyze the impact of socio-economic factors on weight-related health metrics.

Policy Making:

• Policy Development: Develop policies aimed at reducing obesity rates and promoting healthy weight.
• Resource Allocation: Allocate resources effectively to areas with higher prevalence of overweight and obesity.
• Program Evaluation: Evaluate the effectiveness of past and current public health programs.

Healthcare Planning:

• Preventive Measures: Design preventive measures and programs based on demographic data.
• Community Outreach: Plan community outreach programs targeting high-risk groups.
• Nutritional Guidelines: Inform the creation of nutritional guidelines and recommendations.

Data Maintenance:

• Maintainer: National Center for Health Statistics
• Publisher: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Last Updated: August 29, 2023

Quality Assurance:

• Data Validation: Ensures data accuracy through rigorous validation processes.
• Consistency Checks: Regular consistency checks to maintain data integrity.

Additional Notes:

• For detailed definitions and explanations of measures, refer to the PDF or Excel version of this table in the HUS 2019 Data Finder.
• Data is collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), ensuring comprehensive coverage and reliability.

Columns:

In 2023, it was estimated that around 32 percent of men and 34 percent of women in the U.S. were obese. This statistic shows the percentage of adults in the United States who were obese in 2023, by gender.

Historical dataset showing Central America obesity rate by year from N/A to N/A.

United States US: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 6.900 % in 2012. This records an increase from the previous number of 6.400 % for 2009. United States US: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 6.900 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2012, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8.700 % in 2005 and a record low of 5.100 % in 1991. United States US: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of overweight, female, is the percentage of girls under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations above the median for the international reference population of the corresponding age as established by the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Estimates of overweight children are also from national survey data. Once considered only a high-income economy problem, overweight children have become a growing concern in developing countries. Research shows an association between childhood obesity and a high prevalence of diabetes, respiratory disease, high blood pressure, and psychosocial and orthopedic disorders (de Onis and Blössner 2003). Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death, and disability in adulthood. In addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties and increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and psychological effects. Children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate nutrition before birth and in infancy and early childhood. Many of these children are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, calorie-dense, micronutrient-poor foods, which tend be lower in cost than more nutritious foods. These dietary patterns, in conjunction with low levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity, while under-nutrition continues

Historical dataset showing Latin America & Caribbean obesity rate by year from N/A to N/A.

BackgroundFew studies have examined weight transitions in contemporary multi-ethnic populations spanning early childhood through adulthood despite the ability of such research to inform obesity prevention, control, and disparities reduction.Methods and ResultsWe characterized the ages at which African American, Caucasian, and Mexican American populations transitioned to overweight and obesity using contemporary and nationally representative cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (n = 21,220; aged 2–80 years). Age-, sex-, and race/ethnic-specific one-year net transition probabilities between body mass index-classified normal weight, overweight, and obesity were estimated using calibrated and validated Markov-type models that accommodated complex sampling. At age two, the obesity prevalence ranged from 7.3% in Caucasian males to 16.1% in Mexican American males. For all populations, estimated one-year overweight to obesity net transition probabilities peaked at age two and were highest for Mexican American males and African American females, for whom a net 12.3% (95% CI: 7.6%-17.0%) and 11.9% (95% CI: 8.5%-15.3%) of the overweight populations transitioned to obesity by age three, respectively. However, extrapolation to the 2010 U.S. population demonstrated that Mexican American males were the only population for whom net increases in obesity peaked during early childhood; age-specific net increases in obesity were approximately constant through the second decade of life for African Americans and Mexican American females and peaked at age 20 for Caucasians.ConclusionsAfrican American and Mexican American populations shoulder elevated rates of many obesity-associated chronic diseases and disparities in early transitions to obesity could further increase these inequalities if left unaddressed.

This dataset includes data on adult's diet, physical activity, and weight status from Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. This data is used for DNPAO's Data, Trends, and Maps database, which provides national and state specific data on obesity, nutrition, physical activity, and breastfeeding. I was particularly curious on whether socioeconomic status has an impact on obesity. In my analysis, I compare the obesity rate in each state, and then perform a linear regression on the obesity rate for each educational status and the income bracket.

Note: This data was created by the Center for Disease Control, not the City of Rochester. This map is zoomed in to show the CDC data at the census tract level. You can zoom out to see data for all 500 cities in the data set. This map has been built to symbolize the percentage of adults who, in 2017, had a body mass index (BMI) at/above 30.0, classifying them as obese according to self-reported data on their height on weight. However, if you click on a census tract, you can see statistics for the other public health statistics mentioned below in the "Overview of the Data" section.Overview of the Data: This service provides the 2019 release for the 500 Cities Project, based on data from 2017 or 2016 model-based small area estimates for 27 measures of chronic disease related to unhealthy behaviors (5), health outcomes (13), and use of preventive services (9). Twenty measures are based on 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) model estimates. Seven measures (all teeth lost, dental visits, mammograms, Pap tests, colorectal cancer screening, core preventive services among older adults, and sleep less than 7 hours) kept 2016 model estimates, since those questions are only asked in even years. The project was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) in conjunction with the CDC Foundation. It represents a first-of-its kind effort to release information on a large scale for cities and for small areas within those cities. It includes estimates for the 500 largest US cities and approximately 28,000 census tracts within these cities. These estimates can be used to identify emerging health problems and to inform development and implementation of effective, targeted public health prevention activities. Because the small area model cannot detect effects due to local interventions, users are cautioned against using these estimates for program or policy evaluations.Data were provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Population Health, Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch. Data sources used to generate these measures include BRFSS data (2017 or 2016), Census Bureau 2010 census population data, and American Community Survey (ACS) 2013-2017 or 2012-2016 estimates. For more information about the methodology, visit https://www.cdc.gov/500cities or contact 500Cities@cdc.gov.

This dataset includes select data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) on the percent of adults who bike or walk to work. This data is used for DNPAO's Data, Trends, and Maps database, which provides national and state specific data on obesity, nutrition, physical activity, and breastfeeding. For more information about ACS visit https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/.

In 2021-2022, Mississippi topped the ranking of states with the highest share of children/adolescents between 6 and 17 years of age who were obese. This statistic illustrates the obesity rates among children/adolescents between 6 and 17 years of age in the United States in 2021-2022, by state.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease and stroke are a major public health concern across Latin America. A key modifiable risk factor for NCDs is overweight and obesity highlighting the need for policy to reduce prevalence rates and ameliorate rising levels of NCDs. A cross-sectional regression analysis was used to project BMI and related disease trends to 2050. We tested the extent to which interventions that decrease body mass index (BMI) have an effect upon the number of incidence cases avoided for each disease. Without intervention obesity trends will continue to rise across much of Latin America. Effective interventions are necessary if rates of obesity and related diseases are to be reduced.