" As a nation, we need to respond as vigorously to this (obesity) epidemic as we do to an infectious disease epidemic.National efforts are needed to encourage physical activity and better nutrition and to conduct research to identify effective educational, behavioral, and environmental approaches to control and prevent obesity."

Dr. Jeffrey P. Koplan, Director
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

"There is no indication that ... obesity among adults and overweight among children is decreasing. The high levels ... remain a major public health concern."(1) Some studies have shown that 135 million Americans are overweight and the numbers classified as obese have risen 50 per cent over the past 10 years.

Between 1999-2000 and 2001-2002:

• Americans were still overweight or obese -- 66% -- compared with 65% in 1999-2000.
  The number of obese Americans was also unchanged -- 31%.
  The number of extremely obese Americans was also unchanged -- 5%.

From 1999 to 2002:

• More than 50% of adults were overweight or obese; this was true in almost every age and racial/ethnic group.
  28% of men over age 20 were obese across all racial and ethnic groups.
  33% of women over age 20 were obese -- but with significant differences among racial and ethnic groups.
  49% of all black women were obese, compared with 38% of Mexican-American and 31% of white women.
  4% of black women were extremely obese -- the highest number of any ethnic/racial group, whether male or female.

 To show the trends graphically, here are the charts, from the Center for Disease Control data:

Among children:

• 30% were overweight or at risk for being overweight in 1999-2000 versus 32% in 2001-2002.
  15% were overweight in 1999-2000; 17% were in 2001-2002.
  Black and Mexican-American children were at a significantly greater risk of becoming overweight, compared with white children.
• Specific data can be found on the Center for Disease Control site at this link