Obesity Data/Statistics
Obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States. From 1988–2004, the overall prevalence of overweight preschool-age children ages 2–5 years almost doubled, increasing from about 7% to 14%.1 From 1960– 2004, the percentage of obese adults ages 20 years and older more than doubled, increasing from 13% to 32%.2 Among adults, overweight and obesity are associated with increased mortality rates, as well as elevated risks of heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.3 Obesity is of particular concern for our children, since overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults.4Quick Facts
- From 2001-2004, African American women were 70% more likely to be obese than Non-Hispanic White women.
- Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders are 3.7 times more likely to be obese than the overall Asian American population.
- In 2003- 2004 Mexican American children, between the ages 6-11, were 1.3 times more likely to be overweight as Non- Hispanic White Children.
- American Indian/Alaskan Natives are 1.6 times as likely to be obese than Non-Hispanic whites.
For statistics on African Americans and obesity, please click here.
For statistics on American Indians/Alaska Natives and obesity, please click here.
For statistics on Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders and obesity, please click here.
For statistics on Hispanic Americans and obesity, please click here.
1CDC, 2007. Health United States, 2007, page 9.
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus07.pdf[PDF, 475KB]
2CDC, 2007. Health United States, 2007, Table 74.
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus07.pdf[PDF, 475KB]
3CDC, 2007. Health United States, 2007, page 40.
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus07.pdf[PDF, 475KB]
4U.S. Surgeon General.
Overweight and Obesity: Health Consequences.
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Last Modified: 06/27/2008 11:12:00 AM