Prevalence of overweight and weight gain in the United States

Abstract

Data from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II) indicated that in the period 1976–1980 ∼34 million US adults (25.7%) were overweight, with more women ( 19 million) than men ( 15 million) affected. Selected demographic factors, eg, low educational attainment and low family income were associated with the prevalence of overweight and with the incidence of weight gain. Analyses of the NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-up Survey indicated that in a 10-y period, women had a greater mean weight gain than men and were at a greater risk for a major weight gain. The overall incidence of a major weight gain (ie, an increase of five or more body mass index units) was twice as great among females (5.3%) than males (2.3%). Data on overweight and weight gain in the United States by selected demographic characteristics are summarized. Am J Clin Nutr 1992;55:495S-502S.