Prevalence of Obesity
The data represent adults for whom BMI can be calculated from their self-reported weight and height (excluding unknowns or refusals to provide weight or height).
The cut of points used to group the populations were:
- Overweight: BMI is between 25.0 and 29.9
- Obese: BMI is 30.0 or higher
- Neither: BMI is less than 25
Physical inactivity and unhealthy eating contribute to obesity and a number of chronic diseases, including some cancers, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Being overweight or obese increases the risk for multiple chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and certain cancers. An appropriate amount, intensity, and duration of regular physical activity and decreased caloric intake might reduce a person’s BMI.
Respondents tend to overestimate their height and underestimate their weight, leading to underestimation of BMI and of the prevalence of overweight and obesity.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey Data.
http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/brfss
Data based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an ongoing, state-based, random-digit-dialed telephone survey of non-institutionalized civilian adults aged 18 years and older. As with all self-reported sample surveys, BRFSS data might be subject to systematic error resulting from non-coverage (e.g., lower telephone coverage among populations of low socioeconomic status), non-response (e.g., refusal to participate in the survey or to answer specific questions), or measurement (e.g., social desirability or recall bias). More information about the BRFSS is available at: http://www.cdc.gov/brfss/index.htm.
Percentages are weighted to reflect population characteristics.
Recently published guidelines have established additional BMI cut points for weight: Underweight, <18.5; Normal, 18.5–24.9; Overweight, 25.0–29.9; Obesity I, 30.0–34.9; Obesity II, 35.0–39.9; Obesity III, >=40.0.
Data Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey Data.
http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/brfss