Obesity Trends
| Note: Although estimates of health risk behaviors among U.S. adult populations had been periodically obtained through surveys conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, these data were not available on a state-specific basis. This deficiency was viewed as critical for state health agencies that have the primary role of targeting resources to reduce behavioral risks for obesity and their consequent illnesses. As national data may not be appropriate for any given state and state and local agency participation was critical to achieve national health goals, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) was designed to fill a clear informational void. |
The recent increases in the prevalence of overweight and obesity are reflected across all ages, racial and ethnic groups, and education levels in the U.S. In reviewing the following three charts, for instance, one can see that the “average” American categorized under obesity is aged 50-59, Black/non-Hispanic with less than a high school diploma.
The following charts outline generalizations about the obesity demographics of the population in the U.S.66
Obesity prevalence has increased across all education levels, although it tends to skew higher for persons with less education.
As Americans age, the tendency to be located in overweight (BMI - Body Mass Index > 25) and/or obesity (BMI - Body Mass Index > 30) categories increases. The age group with the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity among men is 65 to 74 years, and among women, 55 to 64 years.
The following chart outlines the relationship between family income and obesity:
The following chart highlights the relationship between obesity and poverty level:
The following chart compares body mass index (BMI), age and health insurance coverage:
Relationships between place of residence (i.e., size of metropolitan statistical area), age and body mass index (BMI) are illustrated in the following chart:
Prevalence of Obesity - Related
Conditions
Among people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, 85
percent have a BMI (Body Mass Index) > 25 (classified as falling within the overweight
range) and 55 percent have a BMI (Body Mass Index) > 30 (classified as obese)67.
The following chart illustrates the age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension in overweight U.S. adults, male and female68:
The following chart outlines the age-adjusted prevalence of high blood cholesterol (> 240 mg/dL) in overweight U.S. adults, male and female69:
