Obesity is increasing at an alarming rate in this country and globally. 64% of the population in the year 2000 were at least overweight. 31% of the population were at least obese. The data below is from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

% Obese (BMI > 30)
NHANES '99 – '00
Flegal et al, JAMA, October 9, 2002

% Morbidly Obese (BMI > 40)
NHANES '99 – '00
Flegal et al, JAMA, October 9, 2002