Physical Wellness
Overweight and obesity rates are rising slowly
No significant movement since the last available data
Benchmark: The combined percentage of overweight and obese adults in Maine will decline to 50% by 2030.
Overview
This indicator measures the proportion of adults who are overweight or obese. Excess body weight increases the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, asthma, arthritis, and some cancers. These conditions negatively affect quality of life and workplace productivity, and increase medical expenses. In 2021, 2 out of 3 Maine adults (66%) were overweight (body mass index of 25 to 29.9) or obese (body mass index of 30 or greater), just below the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention national average. Maine’s rate has steadily risen, up from 56% in 2000. Source: U.S. Center for Disease Control, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
In 2019-2020, more than 1 in 4 Maine youth ages 10-17 (27%) was overweight or obese. This was below the national rate of almost 1 in 3 (32%), but childhood obesity is a serious, widespread problem that can cause long-term health challenges.
Fig. A
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Percentage of Overweight and Obese Adults
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Fig. B
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