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More than one-third (36.5%) of U.S. adults have obesity. Read CDC National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) data brief Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of preventable death. Read guidelines The estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the U.S. was $147 billion in 2008 U.S. dollars; the medical costs for people who have obesity were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight.
Obesity decreased by level of education. Adults without a high school degree or equivalent had the highest self-reported obesity (35.5%), followed by high school graduates (32.3%), adults with some college (31.0%), and college graduates (22.2%).
Young adults were half as likely to have obesity as middle-aged adults. Adults aged 18-24 had the lowest self-reported obesity (17.3%) compared to adults aged 45-54 years who had the highest prevalence (35.1%).
Obesity Prevalence in 2016 Varies Across States and Territories
All states had more than 20% of adults with obesity.
20% to less than 25% of adults had obesity in 3 states (Colorado, Hawaii, and Massachusetts) and the District of Columbia.
25% to less than 30% of adults had obesity in 22 states and Guam.
30% to less than 35% of adults had obesity in 20 states, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands.
Fast Five Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Facilitating Healthy Weight Loss?
In the wake of the food and drink excesses often tied to the holiday season, weight loss is an extremely popular New Year's resolution. Numerous health conditions are associated with overweight status. However, meaningful and healthy weight loss requires a careful consideration of behavioral changes as well as nutritional intake. Do you know best practices associated with proper strategies? Test your knowledge with this short quiz.