Obesity is a long-term health condition defined as having an excessive accumulation of body fat that poses a risk to our health. It is commonly identified in adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, and children with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for their sex and age.
Having too much body fat can cause inflammation and other lasting changes in the body. Obesity raises the risk of many serious health problems for both children and adults. The risk is higher with the more weight a person has and the longer they carry it for. In children and adults, obesity increases the chance of health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and some forms of cancer, among other health problems. Eating healthy foods, being physically active, and managing stress can help prevent obesity and support better overall health.
In 2024, Black/African American adults were 28% more likely than U.S. adults overall to have obesity.
In 2023, Black/African American high school boys were 8% more likely, and girls were 55% more likely, than their peers to have obesity.
In 2018, Black/African American adults were 17% less likely than U.S. adults overall to meet national guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity.
Children ages 6–11 who were obese, percentage, 2015–2018
Black*
Total Population
Ratio (Black* / Total)
Boys
18.3
20.9
0.88
Girls
27.2
17.7
1.59
Both Sexes
22.7
19.3
1.18
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. (2023). Health, United States 2019 (Table 27). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Students in grades 9–12 who were overweight, percentage, 2023
Adults ages 18 and over who did not meet federal physical activity guidelines for either aerobic activity or muscle-strengthening, age-adjusted percentage, 2018
