Obesity Statistics

It is well known that Obesity is a problem fast becoming of epidemic proportions. These statistics provide some insight into the problem.

USA

In 2001 obesity was affecting 61.0% of the population, slightly more than the 56.4% in 1999. However, that figure was only 27% in 1991, so we have seen a marked increase in those ten years.

• Currently it is estimated that 30% of the US population (60 Million) is overweight, 20% (40 Million) are obese, with 1.5%, or 3 Million, considered to be morbidly obese.
• Of people over the age of 25, almost 80% are overweight to some degree.
• Almost 80% of the total population does not meet the recommended basic activity level
• Almost a quarter of the population, 25%, is considered to be sedentary
• Type II Diabetes in 30-40 year olds has increased 76% since 1990.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is also showing a growing percentage of overweight and obese people in the population. According to 2003 figures, 63% of adult males are at least overweight, while for the adult women the figure is 56%.

• Of adult males, 43% are considered overweight and 22% to be obese.
• Of adult females, 33% are considered overweight and 23% to be obese.
• For boys (2-15yo) 12% are overweight with 16% being obese.
• Girls 92-15yo) are a little less with 11% being overweight and 12% being obese.

Australia

Like most westernized countries, the incidence of obesity is on the rise in Australia, showing a marked increase in the last decade. Figures from the National Health Survey show an increase for those considered overweight from 29% in 1995 to 33% in 2005. In particular, obesity in Australian adults rose from just 11% in 1995 to over 16% in 2005.

• Currently 33% of Australian adults are considered as overweight
• Of that, just over 40% of males and almost 25% of females are overweight
• The Obesity rate for Adults is currently at 16.4%
• Of those, almost 18% of males and 15% of females are considered as Obese.

In particular, the 55-64 age group in Australia showed the highest incidence of Obesity, being 72% for males and 58% for females.

Canada

The 2004 figures for Canada seem to show that obesity and other weight problems are also on the rise. It is estimated that around 8% of children aged 2 to 17 are obese, and 23% of adults are obese.

Statistical Accuracy

One thing that should be noted that most if not all these figures are based on self reporting, that is, the patient reporting height and weight that are then used to calculate a person's Body Mass Index. However, given that most patients would tend to underreport their weight, this leads to an underestimation the of the prevalence of weight problems and obesity. IE., The problem is larger than we think.