In fact, for the first time in 25 years, obesity levels in U.S. adults didn't grow, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control. And while headlines this week touted this news positively, a whopping 72 million adults (age 20 to 74 years) are obese, or over a third.
Major takeaways from the report:
- Slightly more women than men are obese: 35% vs. 33%
- However, obesity rates in women may have hit a plateau (unchanged since 1999)
- The majority of obese people are between 40 and 59 years old
- Over half of all black and Mexican American women (age 40-59) are obese
(See the full report.)
The World Health Organization estimates 1.6 billion adults around the world are overweight, in addition to 20 million children under the age of five. Even in developing nations like China, both hunger and obesity are problems.
What's the difference between overweight and obese?
If someone is overweight, their Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 25 and 30. If it’s over 30, the person is obese. BMI is a calculation based on weight and height. Calculate your own BMI.
The big picture
The news seems better for women, where obesity rates have held steady since 1999. Researchers see this as a trend and say they may be leveling off. Men's levels, however, have held steady for just a few years, and researchers want more data before calling it a trend.
All said, the holding pattern is clearly a step in the right direction given the health complications caused by obesity. But consider this: Between 1976 and 1980, 15% of U.S. adults were obese—less than half of the 34 percent today. And though the CDC is targeting 15% again by 2010, it looks to be a long road ahead.
