The same general pattern in obesity by age — with obesity increasing as Americans get older before declining in their early 70s — continues to be as true today as it was in 2008. Still, the adult obesity rate in general is higher today than it was four years ago — 26.1% for the Jan. 2-Sept. 20, 2012, timeframe vs. 25.5% in 2008.

The youngest adults (those aged 35 and younger) are only slightly more likely to be obese today than 18- to 35-year-olds were in 2008. But, if this pattern were to continue, these age groups would likely see significant increases in obesity in the future. And, most Americans who are over the age of 35 are now significantly more likely to be obese than those who were that same age four years ago.