Obesity Facts From Doctors

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define obesity as a weight that's above a range that's healthy. This healthy weight range is based on one's height. That height to weight ratio is expressed as body mass index or BMI. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. According to the CDC, having a BMI over 30 is classified as obese and a BMI over 40 is very obese.

How Many Americans Are Obese?

• Obesity in America is high.

  According to the Obesity Society, in 2007 an estimated 25 percent of American adults were obese. According to the CDC, as of 2006, children ages two through 19 had obesity rates ranging from 12 percent to 17.6 percent.

Racial and Economic Differences

• Race, economic status and education play a role in obesity.

  CDC reports have outlined a relationship between obesity, race, economic status and education. These studies find that people of African American and Hispanic race, low incomes and/or low education levels are more likely to be obese than their counterparts.

The Health Risks of Obesity

• Obesity increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

  The American Heart Association states that obesity increases the risk of many serious health problems. These include heart disease and stroke, which are the No. 1 and No. 3 leading causes of death in the United States, respectively.

How to Reduce Obesity

• Staying fit and eating right are important.

  Fortunately, it is possible to reach and maintain a healthy weight through lifestyle changes. These include regular exercise and taking in fewer calories than one burns each day.

National Progress Toward Reducing Obesity

• Healthy People 2010 is a list of government health goals for the U.S.

  Healthy People 2010 is a list of government health objectives for the U.S. No state met the Healthy People 2010 obesity goal of a 15 percent or lower obesity rate. Obesity among children continues to grow at a faster rate than U.S. adults.