Obesity Trends in United States by Gender (1990–2022)

Obesity rates in the United States have risen steadily over the past three decades, affecting both men and women across all age groups. From 1990 to 2022, the prevalence of obesity has nearly doubled, posing a growing public health concern for the nation.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher. BMI is a numerical value derived from an individual’s height and weight, used as a simple screening tool to categorize underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity.

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Obesity in US Men: Rising from 17% to 42%

In 1990, only 17% of adult men in the United States were classified as obese. Over the next three decades, this number increased steadily year by year, reaching 42% in 2022.

Key Milestones for Men:

• 1995: Crossed 20% (21%)
• 2005: Crossed 30% (32%)
• 2015: Reached 38%
• 2022: Peaked at 42%

This upward trend reflects lifestyle shifts, including poor dietary habits, reduced physical activity, and increasing sedentary behavior among the male population.

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Obesity in US Women: From 21% to 44%

Women in the U.S. had higher obesity rates than men at the start of the 1990s. 21% of women were obese in 1990, and that figure climbed to 44% in 2022, showing a similar pace of growth.

Key Milestones for Women:

• 1995: 25%
• 2005: 34%
• 2015: 40%
• 2022: 44%

Although women consistently showed higher prevalence rates than men, the gap has narrowed in recent years.

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National Implications

With nearly half the adult population now obese, the United States faces rising healthcare costs and increasing risks of obesity-related conditions such as:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Certain cancers

Public health policies must focus on promoting healthier diets, increasing physical activity, and targeting at-risk populations with effective education and preventive care programs.

Yearly Obesity Trend in United States (1990-2022)

Year	Prevalence of obesity in men	Prevalence of obesity in women
1990	17%	21%
1991	18%	22%
1992	18%	23%
1993	19%	24%
1994	20%	24%
1995	21%	25%
1996	22%	26%
1997	23%	27%
1998	24%	28%
1999	25%	29%
2000	26%	30%
2001	28%	31%
2002	29%	31%
2003	30%	32%
2004	31%	33%
2005	32%	34%
2006	33%	35%
2007	34%	35%
2008	34%	36%
2009	35%	37%
2010	36%	37%
2011	36%	38%
2012	37%	38%
2013	37%	39%
2014	38%	40%
2015	38%	40%
2016	39%	41%
2017	39%	41%
2018	40%	42%
2019	40%	42%
2020	41%	43%
2021	41%	43%
2022	42%	44%

Source:

NCD-RisC, National Adult Body-Mass Index