Who Is At Risk for Overweight and Obesity?

Overweight and obesity affect Americans of all ages, sexes, and racial/ethnic groups. This serious health problem has been growing over the last 30 years.

Adults

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2008, about one-third of adults in the United States are overweight and about one-third are obese. The survey also shows differences in overweight and obesity among racial/ethnic groups.

• In women, overweight and obesity are highest for non-Hispanic African American women (about 78 percent), compared with about 76 percent for Hispanic women and 61 percent for non-Hispanic White women.
• In men, overweight and obesity also are higher for minority groups. They're highest for Hispanic men (about 79 percent), compared with about 73 percent for non-Hispanic White men and about 69 percent for non-Hispanic African American men.

Children and Teens

Children also have become heavier. In the past 30 years, obesity:

• Has more than doubled among children ages 2–5
• Has tripled among children ages 6–11
• Has more than tripled among adolescents ages 12–19

According to NHANES 2007–2008, about 1 in 6 American children ages 2–19 are obese. The survey also suggests that overweight and obesity are having a greater effect on minority groups, including African Americans and Hispanics.