Obesity Statistics in the U.S. and Worldwide
Obesity remains one of the most important public health challenges in the United States and around the world. It is not simply a cosmetic concern. Obesity is recognized as a chronic disease that can increase the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, and certain cancers. In the United States, current CDC data show that 40.3% of adults have obesity, while 72.4% of adults are overweight, including obesity. CDC also states that about 1 in 5 U.S. children and adolescents have obesity.
For many patients researching weight loss surgery, obesity statistics help put personal health concerns into a broader context. They show how common the condition has become, which populations are most affected, and why early action matters.
What Is Obesity?
Medical professionals generally define obesity using body mass index (BMI) as a screening tool. According to CDC, obesity begins at a BMI of 30 or higher. Adult BMI categories are:
- Overweight: 25 to less than 30
- Obesity: 30 or greater
- Class 1 obesity: 30 to less than 35
- Class 2 obesity: 35 to less than 40
- Class 3 obesity (severe obesity): 40 or greater
If someone wants to better understand their own starting point, using a BMI calculator can be a useful first step.
Adult Obesity Statistics in the United States
The most recent national CDC/NCHS data show that during August 2021 through August 2023, the prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults was 40.3%. The prevalence was 39.2% in men and 41.3% in women, with no significant overall difference between men and women. During the same period, severe obesity affected 9.4% of adults.
These numbers matter because they show that obesity is not a small or isolated issue. It affects a very large share of the adult population and continues to be closely linked to chronic disease burden in the U.S.
Obesity Statistics by Age
Current U.S. data show that obesity prevalence is highest among middle-aged adults. Adults ages 40 to 59 had an obesity prevalence of 46.4%, compared with 35.5% among adults ages 20 to 39 and 38.9% among adults age 60 and older. Severe obesity was also more common among adults ages 20–39 (9.5%) and 40–59 (12.0%) than among adults 60 and older (6.6%).
This pattern is important because many patients begin considering bariatric surgery options in the years when excess weight has already started affecting mobility, energy, blood sugar, blood pressure, sleep, or quality of life.
Obesity Statistics by Gender
Although overall obesity prevalence in adults is similar between men and women, severe obesity is notably higher in women. Current NCHS data show severe obesity at 12.1% in women versus 6.7% in men.
That distinction matters because severe obesity is often more closely associated with advanced metabolic risk and may influence the conversation around procedures such as gastric sleeve surgery or gastric bypass.
Obesity Statistics by Education
Current CDC/NCHS data also show differences by education level. Among adults age 20 and older, obesity prevalence was 31.6% in adults with a bachelor’s degree or more, compared with 44.6% in adults with a high school diploma or less and 45.0% in adults with some college.
This does not mean obesity is simple or explained by education alone. Obesity is complex and influenced by many factors, including income, food access, stress, environment, sleep, genetics, chronic disease, and mental health.
Childhood Obesity Statistics in the U.S.
Childhood obesity remains a major concern. CDC reports that from 2017 to March 2020, the prevalence of obesity among U.S. children and adolescents ages 2 to 19 was 19.7%, affecting about 14.7 million young people.
By age group, obesity prevalence was:
- 12.7% among children ages 2–5
- 20.7% among children ages 6–11
- 22.2% among adolescents ages 12–19
More recent CDC FastStats also show obesity at 14.9% for ages 2–5, 22.1% for ages 6–11, and 22.9% for ages 12–19 during August 2021–August 2023.
These numbers show why families often become concerned about long-term metabolic health early, especially when obesity patterns run across generations.
Obesity Statistics by Race and Ethnicity
CDC data also show important differences across racial and ethnic groups. Among U.S. children and adolescents in the 2017–March 2020 period, obesity prevalence was highest among Hispanic children (26.2%) and non-Hispanic Black children (24.8%), followed by non-Hispanic White children (16.6%) and non-Hispanic Asian children (9.0%).
For adults, CDC’s nationwide prevalence map data also show meaningful differences by race and ethnicity across states and territories, with obesity remaining a widespread concern in every U.S. region.
Obesity Statistics Across the U.S.
CDC’s most recent state-level data show that in 2024, all U.S. states and territories had an adult obesity prevalence of at least 25%. The regions with the highest overall prevalence were the Midwest (35.9%) and the South (34.5%), followed by the West (30.2%) and the Northeast (30.3%).
This matters because patients often assume obesity is concentrated only in a few places or populations, when in reality it affects every region of the country.
Global Obesity Statistics
The obesity trend is not limited to the United States. According to WHO, in 2022, more than 1 billion people worldwide were living with obesity. WHO also reported that 43% of adults were overweight in 2022. Globally, adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990, while obesity among children and adolescents ages 5 to 19 has quadrupled.
WHO describes obesity as a complex chronic disease and notes that many countries now face a “double burden” of malnutrition, where undernutrition and obesity can exist in the same population, community, or even household.
Why These Obesity Statistics Matter
Obesity statistics are not just numbers. They reflect how many people are living with increased risk for long-term health problems, mobility limitations, fatigue, pain, sleep issues, and emotional distress. CDC identifies obesity as a serious chronic disease, and current data make clear that it affects both adults and children at a large scale.
For many people, these statistics also explain why weight loss is not simply about “trying harder.” Obesity is widespread, complex, and often shaped by biology, environment, habits, access, and long-term health conditions.
When Obesity Statistics Become Personal
A person may read obesity statistics as national data, but for patients, the issue usually becomes personal much sooner. It may begin with joint pain, breathlessness, blood sugar problems, blood pressure medication, sleep apnea, mobility loss, or the feeling that traditional methods are no longer enough.
That is why many people eventually begin researching questions like:
- Am I in the obesity range?
- Are you obese?
- Who may qualify for bariatric surgery?
For some patients, statistics become the starting point for asking whether medical intervention may be appropriate.
Final Thoughts on Obesity Statistics
Current obesity statistics show that this is one of the most significant health issues affecting adults, children, and families in the United States and around the world. In the U.S., 40.3% of adults have obesity, 72.4% of adults have overweight including obesity, and about 1 in 5 children and adolescents have obesity. Globally, more than 1 billion people were living with obesity in 2022.
These numbers are important because they show how widespread the issue has become. But for an individual patient, the more important question is what comes next. If obesity is already affecting health, confidence, energy, or quality of life, learning more about treatment options may be the next useful step. Patients who want to explore options can request more information from Tijuana Bariatric Center.
FAQs About Obesity Statistics
What percentage of U.S. adults have obesity?
According to current CDC/NCHS data, 40.3% of U.S. adults had obesity during August 2021–August 2023.
What percentage of U.S. adults are overweight, including obesity?
CDC FastStats reports that 72.4% of U.S. adults were overweight, including obesity, during August 2021–August 2023.
What percentage of U.S. children have obesity?
CDC reports that about 1 in 5 U.S. children and adolescents have obesity. For 2017 to March 2020, the prevalence was 19.7%.
What age group has the highest obesity prevalence among adults?
Current U.S. data show the highest prevalence among adults ages 40 to 59, at 46.4%.
How is obesity defined?
CDC defines obesity in adults as a BMI of 30 or greater. Severe obesity is generally defined as BMI 40 or greater.
How many people worldwide are living with obesity?
WHO reported that in 2022, more than 1 billion people worldwide were living with obesity.
