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Two-thirds of adults in the United States are
overweight, and almost one-third are obese, according to data from the National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001 to 2004. This fact sheet
presents statistics on the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the United
States, as well as the health risks, mortality rates, and economic costs
associated with these conditions. To understand these statistics, it is
necessary to know how overweight and obesity are defined and measured.
Overweight and obesity are known risk factors for:
- diabetes
- coronary heart disease
- high blood cholesterol
- stroke
- hypertension
- gallbladder disease
- osteoarthritis (degeneration of cartilage
and bone of joints)
- sleep apnea and other breathing problems
- some forms of cancer (breast, colorectal,
endometrial, and kidney)
Obesity is also associated with:
- complications of pregnancy
- menstrual irregularities
- hirsutism (presence of excess body and
facial hair)
- stress incontinence (urine leakage caused
by weak pelvic floor muscles)
- psychological disorders, such as depression
- increased surgical risk
- increased mortality
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