Data & Evidence
The Burden of Obesity
Approximately two-thirds of American adults and one-fifth of American children are obese or overweight. Being either obese or overweight increases the risk for many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and stroke. Since 1980, obesity rates for adults have doubled and rates for children have tripled.6 Obesity rates among all groups in society – irrespective of age, sex, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education level or geographic region – have increased markedly.
Health Consequences of Obesity
Obesity has physical, psychological and social consequences in adults and children. Children and adolescents are developing obesity-related diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes, that were once seen only in adults. Obese children are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and abnormal glucose tolerance. One study of 5-to 17-year-olds found that 70 percent of obese children had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease and 39 percent of obese children had at least two risk factors.6