Survey: U.S. obesity rate inches up to 27.7%

Obesity rates have increased at least marginally in 2014 compared with 2008 across nearly all major U.S. demographic groups. Since 2008, Americans aged 65 and older have seen the sharpest uptick in obesity, a four-percentage-point increase to 27.4%. This is followed by increases among 45- to 64-year-olds (3.5 points), Americans living in the Midwest (2.9 points) and women (2.8 points). Obesity rates among Hispanics, blacks, and young adults aged 18 to 29 are similar to those found in 2008.

Advertisement

Although the obesity rate among blacks has not changed much since 2008, this group has the highest obesity rate of any major demographic group, at 35.5%. Obesity rates also exceed 30% among Americans aged 45 to 64 and those earning less than $36,000 per year. Young adults aged 18 to 29 are the least likely to be obese (17.7%), followed by those earning at least $90,000 per year (23.1%).

Join the conversation as a VIP Member

Trending on HotAir Videos

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement