Body Type Preferences
How body type preferences affect your dating pool.
In short:
About 42% of US adults are clinically obese (BMI 30+), and another 30% are overweight. Only about 30% fall in the "normal" BMI range.
BMI Distribution (CDC Measured)
- • Underweight (BMI <18.5): ~2%
- • Normal (BMI 18.5-24.9): ~28%
- • Overweight (BMI 25-29.9): ~30%
- • Obese (BMI 30+): ~42%
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of adults are obese?
According to CDC NHANES measured data, approximately 42% of US adults have a BMI of 30 or higher (clinical obesity). Rates vary by age, gender, and region.
How does requiring a "fit" body type affect pool size?
If you define "fit" as BMI under 25, only about 30% of US adults qualify. Combined with other preferences, this can dramatically reduce your dating pool.
Are body type statistics self-reported or measured?
Our obesity statistics come from CDC NHANES physically measured data. Self-reported weight tends to be underestimated by 5-10 pounds on average.