Obesity Statistics in America

The average waistline of children, teenagers and adults across the globe seems to be getting wider every year. Increased intake of unhealthy foods, physical inactivity and stressful jobs are major factors that conduce to obesity. Urbanization has forced people to depend on processed foods rather than the traditional, healthy foods. Moreover, with the jet speed pace of life, people are driven to rely on fast foods to fill their tummies in the shortest time possible. The way obesity numbers across the globe are surging is quite alarming. During the past two decades, there has been a dramatic rise in obesity rates in the United States. Recent research has revealed that Americans are almost twice more likely to become obese than those living in Europe.

What is Obesity?

In simple words, a person is called obese if he or she is in a state of being seriously overweight, to the extent that it affects the individual's health. WHO (World Health Organization) defines overweight or obese from an individual's Body Mass Index (BMI), which measures weight relative to height. If a person has a BMI greater or equal to 25, then the person is termed as overweight. However, if a person's BMI is greater or equal to 30, the person is termed as obese.

Obesity Statistics in America

Obesity was not of such great concern in the US always. Between 1960 and 1980, only 15% of the population were obese, however, the number surged in the 80s and 90s. Since then the numbers of obesity in America have been skyrocketing at alarming rates. Let's look at the trend since 2008 till date.

2008 Statistics

As of 2008, 66% (2/3rds) of US population was overweight and about 31% American adults being obese. Moreover, the obesity statistics for children in America in the year 2008 was, 32% children were overweight and 17% children between the ages 2 to 19 were obese. Six of the 50 states of America had an obesity rate higher than 30%. The main cause of obesity in America is modernization, which has resulted in unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyle.

State	Obesity %
Mississippi	32.8%
Alabama	31.4%
West Virginia	31.2%
Tennessee	30.6%
Oklahoma	30.3%
South Carolina	30.1%

2009 Statistics

In 2009, child obesity in America rose to 30% in 30 states, and teenage obesity stood at 14%. Moreover, the overall rates of obesity increased in 23 states and decreased in none. The saddest part about child obesity is that these children grow up to be obese teenagers and adults with health problems such as diabetes, heart diseases, etc. Noticing these alarmingly high rates of obesity, the United States government declared that obesity as a national epidemic.

2010 Statistics

2010 obesity statistics are somewhat encouraging as compared to the earlier rise. Although it does not show any dip in obesity numbers, it does not show any rise as well. Which means the skyrocketing obesity growth has slowed down to some extent. The 34% obesity rate seems to be constant this year, however, this does not mean obesity is no longer a critical concern. Complacency can get us backsliding.

34% obesity rate is nothing to be proud of, however, the slow down gives us the first step to climb the obesity reduction ladder. Obesity statistics per state in 2010 is as follows:

State	Obesity %
Mississippi	33.8%
Alabama	31.6%
Tennessee	31.6%
West Virginia	31.3%
Oklahoma	30.6%
South Carolina	29.9%

Mississippi has held the title of the fattest state for the fifth consecutive year, which is not a title to be proud of. It's important to reduce the number of obese people in America. If you or your children are obese, you need to consult a doctor and seek help from a dietitian, who will help you make the transition from an unhealthy eating lifestyle to a healthy eating lifestyle, along with exercise. Controlling one's diet and exercising regularly will help prevent you from falling into the wide arms of obesity! By helping yourself, you can help lower the obesity statistics in America as well.