Obesity in U.S. adults hits a 20-year high

More than 40% of U.S. adults were obese in 2017-2018, according to new CDC data. Here's more: 

• Overall trends: 42% of U.S. adults were considered obese in 2017-2018, with about 9% of adults classified as severely obese (BMI of 40 or higher).
• Yearly trends: The 2017-2018 prevalence of obesity was the highest in nearly 20 years — prevalence of obesity in 1999-2000 was about 30%. Rates of severe obesity were twice as high as they were 20 years ago. 
• Demographics: Middle-aged adults (ages 40-59) and Black individuals had the highest rates of obesity. While there were no discernible differences in obesity between men and women, women had higher rates of severe obesity.