US Weight Control & Obesity Survey
Weight Control & Obesity Study Aim
Obesity and diabetes have increased in the United States in the past decade,
according to most weight loss reports. The aim of this study is to estimate
the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and use of weight control strategies
among US adults in 2000.
Weight Control & Obesity Study Method
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a random-digit telephone
survey conducted in all states in 2000, with 184 450 adults aged 18 years
or older.
Weight Control & Obesity Study Measures
Body mass index (BMI), calculated from self-reported weight and height;
self-reported diabetes; prevalence of weight loss or maintenance attempts;
and weight control strategies used.
Weight Control & Obesity Study Results
In 2000, the prevalence of obesity (BMI 30 kg/m2) was 19.8%, the prevalence
of diabetes was 7.3%, and the prevalence of both combined was 2.9%. Mississippi
had the highest rates of obesity (24.3%) and of diabetes (8.8%); Colorado
had the lowest rate of obesity (13.8%); and Alaska had the lowest rate
of diabetes (4.4%). Twenty-seven percent of US adults did not engage in
any physical activity, and another 28.2% were not regularly active. Only
24.4% of US adults consumed fruits and vegetables 5 or more times daily.
Among obese participants who had had a routine check-up during the past
year, 42.8% had been advised by a health care professional to lose weight.
Among participants trying to lose or maintain weight, 17.5% were following
recommendations to eat fewer calories and increase physical activity to
more than 150 min/week.
Weight Control & Obesity Study Conclusion
The prevalence of obesity and diabetes continues to increase among US
adults. Interventions are needed to improve physical activity and diet
in communities nationwide.
Source: JAMA. 2001
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