Prevalence of Obesity & Severe Obesity Among Adults: United States, 2017–2018

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey In 2017–2018, the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity in adults was 42.4%, and there were no significant differences between men and women among all adults or by age group. The age-adjusted prevalence of severe obesity in adults was 9.2% and was higher in women than in men. Among adults, the prevalence of both obesity and severe obesity was highest in non-Hispanic black adults compared with other race and Hispanic-origin groups. The prevalence of severe obesity was highest among adults aged 40–59 compared with other age groups. From 1999–2000 through 2017–2018, the prevalence of both obesity and severe obesity increased among adults. Obesity is associated with serious health risks (1). Severe obesity further increases the risk of obesity-related complications, such as coronary heart disease and end-stage renal disease (2,3). From 1999–2000 through 2015–2016,