Medically reviewed in June 2021
Updated on February 16, 2022
The average American woman now wears a misses size 16-18, or a woman’s plus size 20, according to a 2016 study published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education. That’s a significant leap from the size 14 average of 10 years prior.
While the study’s authors point out that the fashion industry is failing to design clothes for the average woman, their findings reach beyond the dressing room to highlight alarming health trends among American women.
Obesity and health
Obesity in the United States is very common. In 2017-2018, 42 percent of U.S. residents were considered obese, and over 9 percent have severe or morbid obesity, according to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. These numbers have risen since 1999-2000.
Obesity is a risk factor for several health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. In fact, a 2017 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that more than half of the cancers diagnosed in women—including breast and ovarian cancer—are linked to being overweight or obese.
The social stigma attached to obesity can be devastating and may in itself also help explain some of the associated risks. Media portrayals are often cruel and inaccurate. It can be difficult for fat people to find stylish clothing, enjoy a restaurant meal, or travel by air or train, causing frequent frustration and stress.
Years of childhood and workplace bullying as well as employment discrimination may also contribute to the sort of chronic stress that can harm health. (And women are more likely to face discrimination based on their weight compared with men.) Evidence also suggests that many healthcare professionals hold negative and biased attitudes toward people with obesity, which may make it more difficult to obtain appropriate and timely medical care.
What’s behind the numbers?
The reasons for the obesity epidemic are complex. Causes include a lack of access to fresh fruits and vegetables in low-income neighborhoods, along with the higher cost of healthful foods and the generally low nutritional content of more affordable foods. Changes in the gut microbiome, which may relate to unhealthful diets and exposure to toxins or antibiotics, could also be contributing.
But the CDC also points to the fact that 25 percent of American adults are physically inactive. Regular physical activity not only helps you manage your weight, but it can also reduce your risk of life-threatening medical conditions.
You can take charge of your health
No matter what your size, you can work to improve your health. If you decide to improve your eating habits as part of this journey, one way to begin is to start a food and activity journal. This can be a handy way to spot trends you wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. For example, there may be entire food groups—like nuts or dairy—that are absent from your diet and others that you can make efforts to reduce, like sugar or refined carbs.
Keep your journal for at least a week. If you notice unhealthy eating patterns, this information can help you plan a more nutritious diet around what you learn. It’s also useful if you decide to reach out to a healthcare provider, dietitian, or personal trainer for extra guidance. Knowledge is power. Evidence suggests that people who keep food journals are more successful at losing unwanted excess weight.
Try to get enough exercise
At any weight, physical activity is crucial to good health. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, like biking or jogging, every week. Adults should also do strength training, exercising every major muscle group, at least two days a week.
Haven’t been moving in a while? Don’t feel you need to make up for lost time all at once. Start with walking. Just 30 minutes of walking a day can clear your mind and improve your mood, and you can do it in 10-minute chunks if that’s more convenient. Plus, it lowers your risk of conditions like high blood pressure, arthritis, and stroke. Take a furry friend with you or start a walking group for an added social benefit: It’ll make exercise more enjoyable, and socializing is good for your emotional and physical health, too.
