Obesity Facts and Statistics in America

Statistics and estimates reported by the U.S. Census, The International Obesity Task Force, and other organizations indicate the growing problem of obesity around the globe. Worldwide, over 300 million people are obese, and more than 750 million more considered overweight. Over 22 million children under the age of 5 are overweight or obese.

In the United States, about 13 percent of all children are overweight or obese. Since the 1980s, the percentage of overweight children has nearly doubled. The number of children affected by obesity and weight issues has increased nearly fourfold over the past half a century. Statistics show that nearly two-thirds of adolescents who are currently overweight will remain overweight well into adulthood.

This problem is not just restricted to children; 6 million adults in America have a BMI of 40 or higher, and are classified as morbidly obese. Another 9.6 million have a BMI of 35 to 40. Both of these statistics are nearly twice as high as in 1980. Overall, over half of all American adults are considered overweight.

What is the effect of these staggering statistics? According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Each year, an estimated 300,000 deaths are caused by obesity. Obesity is also associated with an increased risk of other diseases, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and heart disease.

Who is at risk of becoming overweight? Statistics show a range of factors that play a role in whether a child will struggle with weight issues. According to the Institute of Medicine, Hispanic males and African American females are at a higher risk of obesity than other minority groups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics show that Hispanic children between 6 and 11 years old have a greater chance of being overweight than other children in the same age group.

The problem of morbid obesity is not just a health one. Each year, the direct medical costs of obesity are calculated to be more than $93 billion dollars. This staggering number shows that the economic costs of obesity are immense. Overcoming the obesity problem is critical, especially considering the rising health and economic costs of the obesity epidemic. The solution? Diet and exercise, and for many individuals weight loss surgery is the best solution.