Estimates were age adjusted by the direct method to the 2000 U.S. Census population using the age groups 20–39, 40–59, and 60 and over.
Severe obesity is defined as a body mass index of greater than or equal to 40 kg/m2.
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Severe obesity prevalence among U.S. adults 2017-2020, by race/ethnicity
From 2017 to March 2020, the prevalence of severe obesity in the U.S. was highest among non-Hispanic blacks. This statistic shows the age-adjusted prevalence of severe obesity among U.S. adults aged 20 and over from 2017 to March 2020, by race/ethnicity.
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CDC (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)). (June 14, 2021). Prevalence of severe obesity among U.S. adults from 2017 to March 2020, by race/ethnicity [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 24, 2026, from /statistics/1110398/prevalence-severe-obesity-us-by-ethnicity/
CDC (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)). "Prevalence of severe obesity among U.S. adults from 2017 to March 2020, by race/ethnicity." Chart. June 14, 2021. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 24, 2026. /statistics/1110398/prevalence-severe-obesity-us-by-ethnicity/
CDC (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)). (2021). Prevalence of severe obesity among U.S. adults from 2017 to March 2020, by race/ethnicity. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 24, 2026. /statistics/1110398/prevalence-severe-obesity-us-by-ethnicity/
CDC (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)). "Prevalence of Severe Obesity among U.S. Adults from 2017 to March 2020, by Race/Ethnicity." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 14 Jun 2021, /statistics/1110398/prevalence-severe-obesity-us-by-ethnicity/
CDC (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)), Prevalence of severe obesity among U.S. adults from 2017 to March 2020, by race/ethnicity ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/1110398/prevalence-severe-obesity-us-by-ethnicity/ (last visited July 24, 2026)
Prevalence of severe obesity among U.S. adults from 2017 to March 2020, by race/ethnicity [Graph], CDC (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)), June 14, 2021. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1110398/prevalence-severe-obesity-us-by-ethnicity/
