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Obesity Trends (Data)

The words "pandemic" and "epidemic" have been used to describe the dramatic upward trends seen in adults and children. According to the World Health Organization, the United States has the greatest incidence of overweight persons and obesity in the world. The prevalence of obesity has increased steadily and is at epidemic levels. Results from the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), using measured heights and weights, indicate that an estimated 73 percent of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese.

According to 2022 data, Alabama's rate of adult obesity is 38.3 percent, which places the state in the sixth highest position in the nation. Visit the CDC for more information.

According to 2021 data, the rate of obesity for youth in Alabama is 13.9 percent (high school students). Visit the CDC for more information.





Page last updated: February 7, 2024