- Comparing 2003-2007 with 2013-2017, the average weight is up 3 pounds
- Over same period, average “ideal” weight increased 4 pounds
- Fewer Americans now view themselves as overweight
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Americans have become slightly heavier in recent years, but they also seem to have grown more comfortable with it. Between 2003-2007 and 2013-2017, Americans’ self-reported weight edged up along with the number of pounds they offer as their “ideal” weight, yet the percentage who consider themselves overweight has declined.
2003-2007
2008-2012
2013-2017
Average weight in pounds*
174 lbs.
176 lbs.
177 lbs.
Ideal weight in pounds*
157 lbs.
160 lbs.
161 lbs.
Percent who say they are overweight
41%
38%
38%
Percent who want to lose weight
60%
56%
52%
Percent trying to lose weight
28%
28%
25%
Gallup polls aggregated for years 2003-2007, 2008-2012 and 2013-2017. *Self-reported
GALLUP
Much of the change since 2003 occurred in the middle of that period, from 2008-2012. However, Americans’ actual weight and ideal weight have crept up slightly since then. While Americans are heavier, they are less likely to see themselves as overweight compared with 2003-2007, which aligns with the finding that they are also less likely to want to lose weight or to be seriously trying to cut pounds.
Women […]
