According to multiple sources, the percentage of Americans who are obese is around 42% . This means that almost half of the adult population in the United States has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which is considered obese. The prevalence of obesity has been increasing over the years, with rates more than doubling since the 1970s. Obesity rates are higher for certain groups, including non-Hispanic Black adults, Hispanic adults, and non-Hispanic White adults. The prevalence of obesity is also higher among adults aged 40 to 59 years. The estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the United States was nearly $173 billion in 2019 dollars.