Overweight people in the world - definitions, sources and methods

Overweight definition: overweight is a person with a body mass index (BMI) over 25 kg/m2.
BMI is defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in metres (kg/m2)

The data on obesity displayed on the Worldometers' counter is based on the latest statistics published by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Globally, there are more than 1 billion overweight adults, and the number is growing.

Spending on weight-loss programs and products in the USA

According to the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Americans spent an estimated $30 billion a year in 1992 on all types of diet programs and products, including diet foods and drinks.

Marketdata, a market research firm that has tracked diet products and programs since 1989 releases its findings in its biennial study: "The U.S. Weight Loss & Diet Control Market." which in its 2007 study estimates the size of the U.S. weight loss market at $55 billion. It is now estimated to have reached over $60 Billion.

References and useful links