Certain prescription drugs are used more frequently by obese adults, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in the Annals of Epidemiology.

Blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering drugs top the list of medications used by those who are obese. In addition, obese of all ages were also more likely to use diabetes, asthma, and thyroid medications, as well as antidepressants and painkillers, the study found.

Researchers at the CDC analyzed prescription medicine use among some 10,000 U.S. adults. Over 30 percent obese adults were found to use blood pressure meds, compared to 17 percent of normal-weight adults. About 20 percent of the obese used medication to lower cholesterol, compared to 10 percent of normal-weight individuals.

For the purposes of the study, obesity was defined as have a body mass index of 30 or higher. BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in pounds by height in inches squared, then multiplying by 703. For example, BMI for a 150-pound person who is 5'5" (65") tall would be calculated as [150 divided by (65)2] x 703 = 24.96.

One-third of the American public is obese, according to the CDC.