Obesity Data/Statistics
Obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States. From 1976–2006, the overall prevalence of overweight preschool-age children ages 2–5 years more than doubled from about 5% to 11%.1 From 1960-2006, the percentage of obese adults ages 20 years and older more than doubled, increasing from 13% to 35%.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
- In 2010, African American women were 40% more likely to be obese than Non-Hispanic White women.
- Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders are 2.7 times more likely to be obese than the overall Asian American population.
- In 2009- 2010 Mexican American children, between the ages 6 and 17, were 60% more likely to be overweight as Non- Hispanic White Children.
- American Indian/Alaskan Natives are 70 percent more likely to be obese than Non-Hispanic whites.
Statistics on African Americans and Obesity.
Statistics on American Indians/Alaska Natives and Obesity.
Statistics on Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders and Obesity.
Statistics on Hispanic Americans and Obesity.
Statistics on Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders and Obesity.
1CDC, 2010. Health United States, 2009, page 7.
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus08.pdf [PDF | 14MB]
2CDC, 2010. Health United States, 2009, page 7.
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus08.pdf [PDF | 14MB]
3CDC, 2010. Health United States, 2009, page 26.
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus08.pdf [PDF | 14MB]
4U.S. Surgeon General.
Overweight and Obesity: Health Consequences.
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Last Modified: 09/06/2012 08:22:00 AM