This page provides data points and curated searches from OMH’s Knowledge Center library catalog related to obesity within minority and tribal populations in the United States and its territories. The number of catalog records for each topic reflect the search results at the time of this page’s latest update.
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.
American Indian/Alaska Native
In 2024, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults were 22% more likely than U.S. adults overall to have obesity. In 2023, AI/AN high school boys were 52% less likely than their peers to be overweight but not obese, while AI/AN high school girls were more than twice as likely as their peers to be overweight but not obese. In 2018, AI/AN adults were 22% less likely than U.S. adults overall to meet national guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity.
For additional data on obesity and American Indians/Alaska Natives, please visit our Population Profiles.
Asian American
In 2024, Asian American adults were 63% less likely than U.S. adults overall to have obesity. In 2023, Asian American high school boys were 4% more likely than their peers to be overweight but not obese, while Asian American high school girls were 53% less likely than their peers to be overweight but not obese. In 2018, Asian American adults were 5% less likely than U.S. adults overall to meet national guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity.
For additional data on obesity and Asian Americans, please visit our Population Profiles.
Black/African American
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.
For additional data on obesity and Black/African Americans, please visit our Population Profiles.
Hispanic/Latino
In 2024, Hispanic/Latino adults were 12% more likely than U.S. adults overall to have obesity. In 2023, Hispanic/Latino high school boys were 35% more likely, and girls were 4% more likely, than their peers to have obesity. In 2018, Hispanic/Latino adults were 10% less likely than U.S. adults overall to meet national guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity.
For additional data on obesity and Hispanic Americans, please visit our Population Profiles.
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
In 2024, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI) adults were 27% more likely than U.S. adults overall to have obesity. In 2023, NHPI high school boys were more than three times as likely as their peers to have obesity, and NHPI high school girls were 77% more likely than their peers to have obesity. In 2018, NHPI adults were 9% less likely than U.S. adults overall to meet national guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity.
For additional data on obesity and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders, please visit our Population Profiles.
Date Last Reviewed: February 2026