Michigan Residents, Adults 18 and Older

Source: Bureau of Epidemiology, MDCH

The percent of Michigan’s adult population that is overweight is measured by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).  Overweight was defined as having a body mass index greater than or equal to 27.8 kg/m2 for men or 27.3 kg/m2 for women.  The percent of Michigan’s adult population that is overweight has been steadily increasing from 23.5 percent in 1988 to 34.5 percent in 1997.  Overweight has been increasing in both the US and Michigan, but Michigan residents are among the heaviest in the nation.  In 1997, Michigan was the fourth most overweight state in the United States.  The median among states for overweight was 31.1 percent.