Facts on Obesity and Being Overweight
One in three or 58 million American adults aged 20 through 74 are overweight.
According to data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey (NHANES III), the number of overweight Americans increased from 25
to 33 percent between 1980 and 1991.
The survey also shows that minority populations, specifically minority women,
are disproportionately affected: approximately fifty percent of African
American and Mexican American women are overweight. By a similar
definition, more than one in five children and adolescents aged 6 through 17
are also overweight.
Even using a more rigorous definition recommended for youths, 11 percent
of children and adolescents are overweight, up from approximately 5 percent
in the 1960s and 70s. Overweight and obesity is a known risk factor for
diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, arthritis,
breathing problems, and some forms of cancer.
What Is Overweight and Obesity?
Overweight is the excess amount of body weight that includes muscle,
bone, fat, and water. Obesity is the excess accumulation of body fat. One
can be overweight without being obese: a body builder who has a lot of
muscle, for example. However, for practical purposes, most people who
are overweight are also obese.
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