The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is conducted every two years by the National Center for Health Statistics and funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The survey measures rates of overweight and obesity among Americans ages 2 and older. Find the latest national data and trends over time, including by age group, sex, and race.
National Obesity Monitor
Notes & Sources
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey examines a nationally representative sample of Americans ages 2 and older. It combines interviews with physical examinations to ensure data accuracy. The survey size (approximately 5,000 interviews per two years) inhibits break out of state or local data.
The latest information about statistically significant changes is available at: www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db288.pdf. Learn more: The National Center for Health Statistics. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: 2015-2016. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes
Additional Data
14.8%
In 2017, 14.8% of high school students had obesity, according to the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillence System.
15.3%
In 2017-18, 15.3% of youth ages 10 to 17 had obesity, according to the National Survey of Children’s Health.
13.9%
In 2016, 13.9% of 2 to 4 year-olds enrolled
in WIC had obesity, down from 15.9% in 2010.