The term \”obesity epidemic\” has been mentioned throughout the news regarding the state of health in U.S. residents. But, what exactly, makes this an epidemic? For that matter, what are the characteristics that earn someone the label of obese or overweight?
Only one-third of Americans are considered to be in a healthy weight range. Learn more about obesity statistics and just what it means to be overweight or obese.
How Obesity Is Determined
There are several different ways to determine if someone is a healthy weight or if they are underweight or obese. In September 1998, a panel of experts assembled by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released a report using the Body Mass Index (BMI) to establish basic weight guidelines.
These BMI guidelines established \”overweight\” as the description for a BMI between 25 and 30; obesity for a BMI over 30; and extreme obesity as a BMI over 40.
U.S. Weight Statistics
Based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001 to 2004:
• About two-thirds of U.S. adults over 20 (approximately 133.6 million) are classified as overweight or obese.
• Almost one-third of U.S. adults (about 63.6 million) are obese.
• Just under one-third of U.S. adults (65.4 million) are a healthy weight.
• Approximately 17.5 percent of children from 6 to 11 and 17 percent of adolescents (ages 12 through 19) are overweight.
• From 1960 to 2004, the percentage of U.S. adults aged 20 to 74 increased from just under 45 percent to 66 percent.
• Among U.S. women, minorities were more likely to be overweight than non-Hispanic white women. Statistics for U.S. males did not differ as greatly.
How these Stats Affect You
Although BMI is only a guideline, you should check your body mass index and discuss weight loss options with a health professional if your BMI classifies you as overweight or obese. If you are interested in weight loss surgery, speak to a bariatric surgeon in your area.
About The Author…
Depending on your goals, bariatric surgery, cosmetic surgery and dermatology treatments can produce subtle results or completely transform your appearance. If you are considering a cosmetic procedure, speak with an expert in the appropriate field to find out what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.
Read More From Daniel Beasley
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=a85b856f-1324-466d-b766-19e2f2d6a5ff)
[...] Obesity Statistics: US Obesity Epidemic Facts and Figures By Bradley P White The term ?obesity epidemic? has been mentioned throughout the news regarding the state of health in US residents. But, what exactly, makes this an epidemic? For that matter, what are the characteristics that earn someone the label of … Super Size Your Health – http://www.supersizeyourhealth.com/blog [...]