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Friday, November 13, 2026Nov 13

CDC: The average American has gained about 15 pounds since 1994

Obesity tile
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Hefty. Full figured. Stocky.

No matter what words we use to describe ourselves, the conclusion is still the same: the average person in Tennessee is a lot heavier than they were 20 years ago.

According to the federal government, the average American in 2014 weighed 15 1/2 pounds more than they did in 1994.

You remember 1994 – Bill Clinton was in the White House, Forrest Gump was in the movie theaters and O.J. Simpson was charged with murdering his ex-wife and a friend.

But do you remember how you put on the pounds in the 20 years since?