STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • From 2010-2019, average of 28% in the U.S. say they weighed 200 lbs. or more
  • Up from 24% who said the same in 2001-2009
  • 54%, on average, say they want to lose weight, down from 59% in previous decade

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the second decade of the 21st century ends, a look back at 2010-2019 finds that more Americans have said they weigh at least 200 pounds than did so from 2001-2009. An average of 28% of Americans said they weighed 200 pounds or more from 2010-2019, up from 24% during the prior decade. Accordingly, Americans’ average self-reported weight has also risen, to 178 pounds — up from 174 pounds during the previous decade, with similar increases among men (4 pounds) and women (3 pounds).

More Americans Say They Weigh 200 Pounds or More This Decade Than Last
What is your approximate current weight?*

124 lbs. or less
125-149 lbs.
150-174 lbs.
175-199 lbs.
200 lbs. and over
Average weight

%
%
%
%
%
lbs.

2010-2019

All Americans
7
18
23
19
28
178

Men
1
7
23
25
42
196

Women
14
28
24
13
14
159

2001-2009

All Americans
8
19
24
20
24
174

Men
2
7
23
29
38
192

Women
15
31
25
12
12
156

*Averages of answers between the listed dates

GALLUP

These data come from Gallup’s Health and Healthcare survey, conducted in November of each year. Gallup […]

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