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QuickStats: Prevalence of Obesity* Among Persons Aged 20--79 Years, by Sex --- Canada, 2007--2009, and United States, 2007--2008†

The figure above shows the prevalence of obesity among persons aged 20-79 years, by sex in Canada from 2007-2009, and the United States from 2007-2008. Based on the most recent comparable data available, the prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults (34.4%) aged 20-79 years was greater than for Canadian adults (24.1%). The prevalence of obesity among U.S. men (32.6%) was greater than for Canadian men (24.3%), and the prevalence among U.S. women (36.2%) was greater than for Canadian women (23.9%).

* Defined as body mass index (weight [kg] / height [m2]) ≥30.0. Both U.S. and Canadian estimates were age-standardized by the direct method to the 2000 U.S. Census population using age groups 20--39, 40--59, and 60--79 years. Pregnant women were excluded.

Based on data from standardized physical examinations conducted as part of the 2007--2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the 2007--2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey.

§ 95% confidence interval.

Alternate Text: The figure above shows the prevalence of obesity among persons aged 20-79 years, by sex in Canada from 2007-2009, and the United States from 2007-2008. Based on the most recent comparable data available, the prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults (34.4%) aged 20-79 years was greater than for Canadian adults (24.1%). The prevalence of obesity among U.S. men (32.6%) was greater than for Canadian men (24.3%), and the prevalence among U.S. women (36.2%) was greater than for Canadian women (23.9%).

Based on the most recent comparable data available, the prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults (34.4%) aged 20--79 years was greater than for Canadian adults (24.1%). The prevalence of obesity among U.S. men (32.6%) was greater than for Canadian men (24.3%), and the prevalence among U.S. women (36.2%) was greater than for Canadian women (23.9%).

Source: Shields M, Carroll MD, Ogden CL. Adult obesity prevalence in Canada and the United States. NCHS data brief, no. 56. Hyattsville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, National Center for Health Statistics; 2011. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db56.htm.



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