Differences in the obesity rate in the U.S. can be seen between different ethnic groups, regions, genders, and ages. As of 2018, around 73 percent of all African American adults were classed as being overweight or obese, compared to 72 percent of Hispanics and 45 percent of Asian/Pacific Islanders. That same year, Mississippi was reported to have the highest percentage of overweight or obese adults of any U.S. state, with an incredible 73 percent of the population falling into these two categories.
Overweight and obesity are also increasing problems for youths in the U.S. In 2016-2017 it was estimated that almost 15 percent of high school students were obese. As seen with adults, rates of obesity remain highest among Hispanic and Black youths. In 2017, the state with the highest percentage of obese high school students was Arkansas, followed closely by Tennessee and Kentucky.
Being overweight and obese can cause a number health problems and can increase the risk of a variety of diseases including diabetes and heart disease. The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes has increased steadily since the late 1990's. As of 2018, it was estimated that 10.1 percent of the population was diagnosed with diabetes. Becoming overweight or obese can be avoided through healthy eating and exercise, but such measures are largely lifestyle choices. In 2018, an estimated 25.6 percent of the U.S. population was physically inactive.
