New West Health–Gallup data shows a persistent gap between how Americans view their weight and whether they take action, with women and older adults reporting higher concern.
In the beginning of a new year and Americans start to think about making resolutions, 41% describe themselves as being at least somewhat overweight, and 52% say they would like to lose weight. However, only half as many (26%) are actively trying to do so. Women continue to be more likely than men to say they are overweight and want to lose weight.
These findings, from the West Health-Gallup Health and Healthcare Survey conducted Nov. 3-25, are generally in line with the trends over recent years for each reading among all adults, women and men.
Four in 10 Americans Report Being Overweight
Gallup has tracked Americans’ description of their own weight since 1999, asking if they would describe their personal weight situation as very overweight, somewhat overweight, about right, somewhat underweight or very underweight. The largest segment of Americans, between 48% and 60%, has consistently said their weight is about right, while 34% to 44% have reported that they are overweight and just 4% to 8% have said they are underweight.
The latest West Health-Gallup survey finds that 50% of Americans consider their weight to be about right, 41% very or somewhat overweight, and 8% very or somewhat underweight. This marks the eighth consecutive measure with at least 40% of U.S. adults saying they are overweight, which follows an eight-year period of readings below 40%.
Throughout the trend, women have been more likely than men to report being overweight, including a six-percentage-point gender gap between women (43%) and men (37%) in the current survey.
In addition to the long-term gender gap, there have been significant, consistent differences throughout the trend by age. Currently, 30% of 18- to 34-year-old adults say they are overweight, compared with 44% of 35- to 54-year-olds and 45% of adults aged 55 and older. Each of these readings is in line with the average over the past quarter century.
