An Overweight America: Statistics on Obesity & Weight Loss Efforts

Every year since 1988 American Sports Data, Inc. has conducted an annual tracking study called the SUPERSTUDY® of Sports Participation.

In January 2004 a nationwide research study of 15,015 Americans revealed alarming statistics on America’s growing obesity epidemic, the findings of which are available in the IHRSA/ASD Obesity/Weight Control Report.

In the report, statistics on American weight loss behavior for 2003 indicates that 65% attempted some form of weight loss or weight control, 49% tried to lose at least five pounds and 16% of Americans attempted to at least maintain their weight. Included are detailed statistics on specific weight control methods including dieting, weight loss pills, home exercise, health clubs, etc.

Most importantly, the nationwide research study on American bodyweight and weight loss efforts also reveals statistics on the success of various weight control strategies, with only 20% indicating they were "very" or "extremely" successful.

The report also includes Body Mass Index (BMI) levels plus actual raw bodyweight averages for the American population. America is dangerously overweight with 3.8 million people over 300 pounds and 400,000 (mostly men) weighing over 400 pounds! In America, statistics show that the average weight of an adult female is now an unprecedented 163 pounds!

For more detailed statistics on bodyweight and American weight loss efforts please refer to the IHRSA/ASD Obesity/Weight Control Report.

Visit American Sports Data, Inc for more statistics on fitness trends, weight loss research, America’s obesity crisis and current health statistics in the United States.