Overweight and Obesity
Obesity has dramatically increased in the United States in the past 20 years. In 2003, 15 states had obesity prevalence rates of 15-19 percent; 31 states had rates of 20-24 percent; and 4 states had rates more than 25 percent. New Jersey is in the 15-19 percentages. These percentages reported by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not include the overweight population only the obese population. Results from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), using measured heights and weights, indicate that an estimated 65 percent of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 11-15-04)
Overweight/Obesity Definitions
Definitions of overweight, obesity, BMI, waist circumference, and WHR.
Overall Information
Contributing factors, health consequences, and general recommendations of obesity/overweight.