Prevalence of Obesity Among Adults and Youth: United States, 2011–2014

Obesity is associated with health risks. Monitoring the prevalence of obesity is relevant for public health programs that focus on reducing or preventing obesity.

No significant changes were seen in either adult or childhood obesity prevalence in the United States between 2003–2004 and 2011–2012.

An NCHS report provides the most recent national data on obesity prevalence by sex, age, and race and Hispanic origin, using data for 2011–2014. Overall prevalence estimates from 1999–2000 through 2013–2014 are also presented.

Key Findings:

• In 2011–2014, the prevalence of obesity was just over 36% in adults and 17% in youth.
• The prevalence of obesity was higher in women (38.3%) than in men (34.3%). Among all youth, no difference was seen by sex.
• The prevalence of obesity was higher among middle-aged (40.2%) and older (37.0%) adults than younger (32.3%) adults.
• The prevalence of obesity was higher among non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic adults and youth than among non-Hispanic Asian adults and youth.
• From 1999 through 2014, obesity prevalence increased among adults and youth. However, among youth, prevalence did not change from 2003–2004 through 2013–2014.