Obesity is associated with serious health risks. Severe obesity further increases the risk of obesity-related complications, such as coronary heart disease and end-stage renal disease. From 1999–2000 through
2015–2016, a significantly increasing trend in obesity was observed.
This report provides the most recent national data for 2017–2018 on obesity and severe obesity prevalence among adults by sex, age, and race and Hispanic origin. Trends from 1999–2000 through 2017–2018 for adults aged 20 and over are also presented.
What was the prevalence of obesity among adults in 2017–2018?
The age-adjusted prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults was 42.4% in 2017–2018. The prevalence was 40.0% among younger adults aged 20–39, 44.8% among middle-aged adults aged 40–59, and 42.8% among older adults aged 60 and over. There were no significant differences in prevalence by age group