Pop Quiz: Can You Guess the Percentage of Fat Americans?
According to the latest report on the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults in the United States, published in the April 5, 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, the overall prevalence of overweight (BMI 25.0 – 29.9) and obesity (BMI 30 or higher) is an astonishing 66%. Almost 5% of American adults are extremely obese (BMI 40 or higher). 17% of children and adolescents are overweight (BMI for age and sex at or above the 95th percentile). Almost 34 % are considered “at risk of overweight or overweight” (BMI for age and sex at or above the 85th percentile).
We get fatter as we get older, peaking in our 40s and 50s. There is a slight decrease in overweight/obesity over age 60, perhaps because of the impact of obesity on longevity or because of coincident illnesses associated with weight loss (e.g., cancer).
Some race/ethnic groups are at particular risk. About ¾ of Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic blacks adults are overweight or obese. 20% of non-Hispanic black and Mexican American children and adolescents meet the criteria for being overweight with more than 35% being overweight or at risk for overweight.
The prevalence of overweight in children and adolescents and obesity in men increased significantly compared to just six years ago. Obesity in women did not increase, however, the rates remained high at 33%.
With prevalence rates this high, we have a public health problem of epidemic proportion. We need to respond, as a nation, with a commitment of resources, supportive public policies, public education, and individual responsibility to get us back in shape again. If we fail to do this, we will continue to see increases in the associated epidemic of metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes. This will place a burden on our health care system and many other public institutions, that we are not currently prepared to respond to…could this be our next Katrina?