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CDC Report Analyzes Patterns of Body Weight in US Adults For Immediate Release: September 6, 2002 Contact: NCHS/CDC Public
Affairs Body Weight Status
of Adults: United States, 1997-98. Advance Data No. 330. 16 pp. (PHS)
2002-1250. A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzes patterns of body weight for the U.S. adult population. Based on self-reported height and weight collected in CDC’s National Health Interview Survey, the report classifies adults by relative body weight (underweight, healthy weight, overweight and obese). The 1997-98 survey found that more than one-half of adults were overweight (including about 20 percent who were obese), about 40 percent were at a healthy weight, and only 2 percent were considered underweight, according to standard body mass index classifications. The survey documented significant differences for population subgroups, defined by race, ethnicity, age, gender, education, income and marital status. There were variations by geographic region of the country as well. Some of the key differences noted:
Height and weight data are collected in the National Health Interview Survey to study the associations between relative body weight status and a variety of other health characteristics, including health limitations, chronic conditions, injuries, health care and other health-related behaviors. The categories of body mass index used in this analysis are consistent with standard BMI classifications, with obese adults defined as those with a BMI of 30 or greater; adults who were overweight but not obese had a BMI of greater than or equal to 25 and less than 30; healthy weight adults had a BMI of greater than or equal to 18.50 and less than 25 and adults who were underweight had a BMI of less than 18.50. The survey is conducted annually through interviews in about 40,000 households, to reach a sample of the nation’s civilian, noninstitutionalized population. For more information on the survey conducted by CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics or to view and download a copy of "Body Weight Status of Adults: United States,1997-98," by Charlotte Schoenborn, Patricia Adams, and Patricia Barnes visit the NCHS Web site. # # # CDC protects people’s health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national and international organizations.
This page last reviewed October 06, 2006
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