Topic
Adult obesity
Measured heights and weights from NHANES show a large rise in age-adjusted obesity prevalence among U.S. adults from the late 20th century into the 2010s, with the latest 2021–2023 estimate still high.
Obesity here means body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher based on measured height and weight in a national examination survey — not self-reported weight alone. Overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9) and severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40) are shown separately because they are different categories, not interchangeable labels.
Surveys before 1988 did not include adults older than 74, so the longest comparable adult series on this page uses ages 20–74. A second chart shows adults age 20 and older from 1988–1994 forward.
Obesity prevalence, adults ages 20–74
Age-adjusted percent · NHANES/NHES measured BMI
Data table & download
Source: NCHS Health E-Stat 111
Obesity prevalence, adults age 20 and older
Age-adjusted percent · NHANES measured BMI
Data table & download
Source: NCHS Health E-Stat 111
How to read this chart
- No continuous NHANES cycle spanning March 2020–July 2021 because of COVID-19 suspension; latest cycle is August 2021–August 2023.
- BMI categories are definitions used for population monitoring; they are not a complete picture of metabolic health for any person.
- Age-adjustment uses the 2000 U.S. standard population age groups listed in the source.