Prevalence of obesity among adults aged 20 and over: United States, 1997–March 2013
From January to March 2013, slightly over 28% of American adults over age 20 were obese. This was a little lower than the percentage in 2012, but the researchers say it’s not a statistically significant dip. The prevalence of obesity among adults has climbed from 19.4% in 1997 to 28.9% in 2012.
The data support smaller studies that suggest obesity rates are starting to level off. Another recent nationwide survey released this summer shows that after decades of rising, obesity rates have flattened for the first time in 30 years. The “F as in Fat” report, which is released annually by Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, found that only Arkansas showed an increase in obesity rates while other states maintained their rates. However, with more young people weighing in over their recommended healthy weight, and a growing proportion of people at the extreme end of obesity, the disease is still considered as dangerous as ever.
MORE: The Good and Bad News About Obesity: It’s No Longer Rising, but It’s More Dangerous Than Ever