Weight loss surgery is quickly becoming a necessary action for many obese individuals in the United States and Canada. Although, weight loss surgery is commonly referred to as a “last resort,” weight loss surgery is expected to increase which coincides with the rise in obesity.
Since 1960s, the prevalence of obesity has doubled in adults, from 13.4 to 35.7 percent. In 2008, medical costs associated with obesity were estimated at $147 billion; the medical costs for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight (source).
U.S. Adults 20+ Statistics
- 31.2% Normal Weight or Underweight (BMI under 24.9)
- 33.1% Overweight (BMI of 25 to 29.9)
- 35.7% Obese (BMI +30)
- 6.5% Extreme Obesity (BMI of 40+)
By Sex
Men: 74% had overweight or obesity
Women: 64% had overweight or obesity
Equal percentages (36) of men and women had obesity.
Men: 4% had extreme obesity; Women: 8% had extreme obesity.
U.S. Children and Youths Statistics (Aged 2 to 19)
Childhood obesity has risen to unparalleled rates, having tripled in the past 30 years (7% from 1980 to 18% in 2010).
31.8% are overweight or obese, 16.9 are considered obese.
By Sex
33% of Boys are Overweight or Obese.
30.4% of Girls are Overweight or Obese.
18.2% of are Obese.