How common is obesity?

Most health professionals say that obesity is an epidemic. In the United States, 30% of the population are obese, and 65% are overweight or obese. Obesity in the adult population has doubled since 1980.¹

Certain groups are affected more than others:²

• Among women, overweight and obesity are more prevalent in racial and ethnic minorities than in non-Hispanic white women.
• Among men, overweight and obesity are more prevalent in Mexican Americans than in non-Hispanic whites or blacks.
• More non-Hispanic black women are overweight or obese than non-Hispanic black men.
• More non-Hispanic white men are overweight or obese than non-Hispanic white women.
• Women of lower socioeconomic status are approximately 50% more likely to be obese than those of higher socioeconomic status.

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