Americans are getting bigger and in this case bigger is not better. New research from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed staggering data of the realities of weight in America. Here are some of the key findings.

Key Findings: Weight of Americans

Perhaps one of the most shocking statistics is the average American woman weights 166 pounds, which is the weight the average American man weighed in 1960. During that time, the average woman weight 140 pounds, which makes for an 18.5% increase. For men, the current average weight is 195.5 pounds, making for a 17.6% gain.

What does this really mean? If you're thinking, has the height changed? The answer is yes, but by only an inch or so. But the main reason for this increase in our average weight is no surprise. The truth is Americans are eating bigger portions of food and not enough "healthy foods" and exercise is being done at a minimum. 

Obesity and diabetes rates are on the rise, as a result of metabolic syndrome, which affects 1 in 3 Americans. Metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions that together increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.  These conditions that make up metabolic syndrome are high blood pressure, diabetes or high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat around the waist, and high cholesterol.  When all these occur together or in some combination, the more you have the more your risk increases, the chance of developing other serious health conditions also increases.  

This new report also showed 35% of Americans over 20 years old are considered obese, and 69% of adults are overweight or obese. One in five children between ages 12-19 are obese. This brings us back to a significant 2012 study which showed Americans are the 3rd heaviest nation, behind Tonga and Micronesia. 

On average, we're 33 pounds bigger than french people, 40 pounds over a citizen of Japan and 70 pounds heavier than a person in Bangladesh. Shocking right? So what can you do about it? Consider your first step being to monitor closely what you eat every day. Starting a high-intensity workout routine may not be the best option. Try making small changes every day such as eliminating soda intake and decreased amounts of processed foods.