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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.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: April 13, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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