Final answer:
As per 2016 data, about 36% of US adults over 20 were obese with a BMI over 30, with an additional 33% classified as overweight. The prevalence of obesity and overweight combined amounted to nearly 69% of the adult population, posing a major public health challenge.
Step-by-step explanation:
Obesity in the United States has been classified as epidemic. According to the 2016 CDC data, approximately 36 percent of adults over 20 years old were obese, which is a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m². Additionally, 33 percent were considered overweight, with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 kg/m². This data shows that obesity is a significant health concern, with the highest levels typically found in the southern states of the US.
It is also important to note that childhood obesity rates are also rising, which is a cause for concern due to the potential for serious health complications such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers. Efforts to address obesity often include promoting healthier eating habits, increasing physical activity, and reducing sedentary behaviors.
Furthermore, while BMI is a useful measure for studying populations, its utility for assessing individuals has limitations, as it does not distinguish between muscle and fat mass. Hence, it's commonly used in population studies rather than individual diagnoses.