Figure 6.3. Age-adjusted prevalence of obesity among adults aged 20 years and over, by sex and race/ethnicity: United States, January-June 2002

NOTES: Obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or more. The analysis excluded 716 people with unknown height or weight. Estimates are age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population using three age groups: 20-39 years, 40-59 years, and 60 years and over.

DATA SOURCE: Based on data collected from January through June in the Sample Adult Core component of the 2002 National Health Interview Survey.

For both sex groups, black non-Hispanic persons were more likely than Hispanic and white non-Hispanic persons to be obese.

Among the three racial/ethnic groups, the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity was highest among black non-Hispanic women (42.6%) and lowest among white non-Hispanic women (20.9%).

< Previous | Return to Early Release Measures  | Next >