Obesity Rates in America: Statistics and Health Costs

Author: Northwestern University
Published: 16 Nov 2011 - Updated: 19 Aug 2026
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed | Informative

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

Today two out of every three Americans are now considered to be overweight or obese. During the early 21st century, America has the highest percentage of obese people in the world. This report highlights the escalating obesity rates in the United States, and underscores the significant health and economic implications of this trend, noting that obese individuals incur an average of $1,429 more in annual medical expenses, contributing to approximately $147 billion in additional healthcare costs nationwide. The report also emphasizes the American Heart Association's goal to enhance overall heart health by 20 percent, cautioning that without immediate lifestyle changes, the nation may only achieve a modest six percent improvement. The piece isn't just numbers; it paints a clear picture of a major health issue that's getting worse, offering insights that could help anyone understand the stakes and maybe even spark ideas for tackling it in their own lives. It's an eye-opener that's easy to grasp and relevant to a wide crowd.*

At a Glance

• 1 - Fewer than five percent of Americans currently meet the standard for ideal cardiovascular health.
• 2 - Not smoking remains the number one preventable cause of death, yet one in five Americans still smoke.
• 3 - Study projections drew on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data gathered from 1988 to 2008.
• 4 - Cardiovascular disease healthcare costs are projected to reach 1.1 trillion dollars a year by 2030 if trends continue.

Topic Definition

Obesity in America

Obesity in America refers to the widespread pattern of excess body fat across the United States population, a trend that has climbed steadily over the past several decades until roughly two of every three adults now count as overweight or obese. In clinical terms a person is considered obese once their body mass index reaches 30 or higher, though that single figure says nothing about muscle, fat distribution, or the underlying biology that drives the condition. What makes obesity a national concern rather than a private matter is its reach: it feeds higher rates of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, shortens life expectancy, and loads an estimated 147 billion dollars in extra medical spending onto the health system each year. Public health experts increasingly frame it as a preventable, systemic problem shaped by diet, physical activity, and the food and built environments people live in, rather than a simple question of personal willpower.

Overview

Why Are Americans So Fat?

Obesity in the United States has been increasingly cited as a major health issue in recent decades. While many industrialized countries have experienced similar increases, obesity rates in the United States are among the highest in the world.

Obesity has continued to grow within the United States. Today two out of every three Americans are now considered to be overweight or obese. During the early 21st century, America has the highest percentage of obese people in the world. An obese person in America incurs an average of $1,429 more in medical expenses annually. Approximately $147 billion is spent in added medical expenses per year within the United States.

• Obesity: Defined as a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems.
• Body mass index (BMI): A measurement which compares weight and height, defines people as overweight (pre-obese) if their BMI is between 25 and 30 kg/m2, and obese when it is greater than 30 kg/m2.

Americans Getting Even Fatter: Obesity Rates Continue to Rise

The AHA has set a target to help Americans improve their overall heart health by 20 percent. However, if current trends continue, Americans can expect only a modest improvement of six percent in overall cardiovascular health.

Implications of not increasing heart health could be grave:

Declining rates of sickness and death from cardiovascular disease may stall, and related health care costs, already projected to reach $1.1 trillion per year by 2030, could rise even further. That's according to study author Mark Huffman, M.D., assistant professor in preventive medicine and medicine-cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a cardiologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Representative of all Americans, the study is based on patterns found in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) from 1988 to 2008. The projected numbers on weight and diabetes, based on previous trends, follow.

• In 2020, 83 percent of men and 72 percent of women were overweight or obese.
• Currently, 72 percent of men and 63 percent of women are overweight or obese (people who are overweight have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 to 29kg/m2, people who are obese have a BMI of 30kg/m2 or greater).
• In 2020, 77 percent of men and 53 percent of women have dysglycemia (either diabetes or pre-diabetes). Currently, 62 percent of men and 43 percent of women have dysglycemia.

"To increase overall heart health by 20 percent, American adults would need to rapidly reverse these unhealthy trends - starting today," Huffman said. "In concert with individual choices, public health policies can be and should be effective tools to reduce smoking, increase access to healthy foods, and increase physical activity in daily life."

More people would need to improve health behaviors related to diet, physical activity, body weight and smoking and health factors, related to glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure.

"We've been dealing with the obesity trend for the past three decades, but the impact we project on blood sugar is a true shock," said Donald Lloyd-Jones, M.D., chair and associate professor of preventive medicine at the Feinberg School of Medicine, a physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and senior author of the study. "Those are some really scary numbers. When blood sugar goes up like that all of the complications of diabetes come into play."

Less than five percent of Americans currently are considered to have ideal cardiovascular health.

The modest six percent improvement in cardiovascular health that is projected means better cholesterol and blood pressure numbers for Americans and fewer smokers. Improvements in treatment and control of cholesterol and blood pressure with medication and declines in smoking would partially account for this small boost, but they wouldn't be enough to offset the weight and diabetes problems Americans face, Huffman said. Projected improvements in diet and physical activity also contribute to the six percent projection, but the absolute increase in Americans who consume ideal diets will remain less than two percent by 2020, if current trends continue.

"Since the 1960's cardiovascular disease death rates have substantially decreased, but if the weight and dysglycemia trends continue to increase, we are in danger of seeing a reversal of those gains," Huffman said.

Achieving a healthy weight through diet and physical activity is the best way most Americans can improve their cardiovascular health, but, as Huffman stressed, not smoking is the number one preventable cause of preventable death. Yet, one in five Americans still smoke.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute funded this study.

Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)

What is the difference between being overweight and being obese?

Overweight describes a body mass index of 25 to 29.9, while obesity begins at a body mass index of 30 or higher. The two categories carry different levels of health risk, with obesity tied more strongly to chronic disease.

Which US states have the highest obesity rates?

Southern and Midwestern states such as Mississippi, West Virginia, and Alabama have consistently reported the highest adult obesity rates. Colorado, Hawaii, and several coastal states tend to report the lowest, though every state has seen long term increases.

How does obesity affect people with disabilities?

Adults with mobility or physical disabilities face higher obesity rates because barriers to exercise, transportation, and accessible facilities limit physical activity. Excess weight can then worsen existing conditions and make daily care and movement more difficult.

Can obesity be reversed without surgery?

Many people lower their weight and improve health markers through sustained changes in diet, physical activity, sleep, and stress management. Medication and surgery are usually reserved for those with severe obesity or serious weight related conditions.

What role does childhood obesity play in adult obesity?

Children who are obese are far more likely to remain obese as adults, carrying elevated risks of diabetes and heart disease into later life. Early prevention through nutrition and activity is widely seen as one of the most effective strategies.

How does obesity contribute to type 2 diabetes?

Excess fat, especially around the abdomen, interferes with how the body responds to insulin, leading to insulin resistance and rising blood sugar. Over time this can develop into type 2 diabetes and its related complications.

Are certain groups more affected by obesity in America?

Obesity prevalence varies by income, race, ethnicity, and access to healthy food and safe spaces to be active. Lower income communities often face fewer affordable healthy options, which contributes to higher rates.

What everyday habits help prevent obesity?

Regular physical activity, balanced meals rich in vegetables and whole foods, limited sugary drinks, adequate sleep, and reduced sedentary time all support a healthy weight. Small, consistent changes tend to be more sustainable than drastic short term diets.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: Two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese, leading to increased health risks and $147 billion in extra healthcare costs annually. This rising prevalence of obesity in America is a pressing public health concern that demands urgent attention. Beyond the staggering healthcare costs, the associated risks of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions threaten the quality of life for millions. It's tough to read about America's ballooning obesity rates and not feel a mix of alarm and frustration-especially when you see the ripple effects hitting vulnerable folks like seniors and those with disabilities hardest. The data here screams for action, not just from individuals but from a system that's failing to curb a preventable crisis costing lives and billions. Maybe it's time we stop treating this as a personal failing and start pushing for real changes-better food options, safer places to move, and a culture that doesn't shrug at a problem this big. This isn't just about waistlines; it's about giving everyone a fair shot at a healthier life. Collective efforts from individuals, communities, and policymakers are essential to reverse this trend and promote a healthier future.*

Attribution/Source(s): This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Northwestern University and published on 16 Nov 2011, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.

* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.