Data: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Chart: Andrew Witherspoon/Axios
Americans are not getting taller, but they are gaining more weight, according to new CDC data. Since 1999, the average weight of men has increased from 189 pounds to 198 pounds. The average weight of women has gone up from 164 pounds to 171 pounds.
The bottom line: Obesity is more complicated than eating habits or exercise. But research has shown that gaining weight over time makes people more susceptible to other health risks like diabetes or heart disease.
