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Figure 4. Obesity: by body mass index nationwide—grouped by age (Text Description)


The percentage of persons who are obese has increased from 1990 to 2000 in all age groups. Obesity is measured by body mass index. All percentages refer to the median percentage.

In 1990:

  • 7 percent of 18 year olds were obese.
  • 14 percent of 35 year olds were obese.
  • 16 percent of 50 year olds were obese.
  • 13 percent of 65 year olds were obese.

In 1991:

  • 8 percent of 18 year olds were obese.
  • 15 percent of 35 year olds were obese.
  • 17 percent of 50 year olds were obese.
  • 14 percent of 65 year olds were obese.

In 1992:

  • 9 percent of 18 year olds were obese.
  • 15 percent of 35 year olds were obese.
  • 18 percent of 50 year olds were obese.
  • 13 percent of 65 year olds were obese.

In 1993:

  • 10 percent of 18 year olds were obese.
  • 16 percent of 35 year olds were obese.
  • 19 percent of 50 year olds were obese.
  • 14 percent of 65 year olds were obese.

In 1994:

  • 11 percent of 18 year olds were obese.
  • 16 percent of 35 year olds were obese.
  • 20 percent of 50 year olds were obese.
  • 15 percent of 65 year olds were obese.

In 1995:

  • 12 percent of 18 year olds were obese.
  • 17 percent of 35 year olds were obese.
  • 21 percent of 50 year olds were obese.
  • 15 percent of 65 year olds were obese.

In 1996:

  • 12 percent of 18 year olds were obese.
  • 19 percent of 35 year olds were obese.
  • 20 percent of 50 year olds were obese.
  • 15 percent of 65 year olds were obese.

In 1997:

  • 13 percent of 18 year olds were obese.
  • 18 percent of 35 year olds were obese.
  • 21 percent of 50 year olds were obese.
  • 15 percent of 65 year olds were obese.

In 1998:

  • 13 percent of 18 year olds were obese.
  • 20 percent of 35 year olds were obese.
  • 23 percent of 50 year olds were obese.
  • 16 percent of 65 year olds were obese.

In 1999:

  • 14 percent of 18 year olds were obese.
  • 20 percent of 35 year olds were obese.
  • 24 percent of 50 year olds were obese.
  • 18 percent of 65 year olds were obese.

In 2000:

  • 15 percent of 18 year olds were obese.
  • 21 percent of 35 year olds were obese.
  • 25 percent of 50 year olds were obese.
  • 17 percent of 65 year olds were obese.

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