This fact sheet, based on findings from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), describes the prevalence of overweight and obesity among California adults. California has mirrored the nationwide increase in overweight with almost half of California women (45.2%) and almost two out of three men (63.4%) overweight or obese. Weight gain in adults is a risk factor for cancer, independent of weight status. In CHIS 2001, more than half of all adults (61% of men and 56% of women) reported weight gains of more than 20 pounds as adults. Average weight gain was 1.7 pounds/year for men and 1.4 pounds/year for women. Younger adults reported more weight gain than older adults. Diet and physical activity patterns to either maintain or help adults get back to a normal weight should be a top public health priority.