What Is the NHANES Survey and Why Is It in Our Community?

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a major national health survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through its National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). NHANES collects important information about the health and nutrition of adults and children across the United States.

What NHANES Does

NHANES helps scientists, doctors, and public health experts understand how healthy Americans are and what factors affect their health. What makes NHANES unique is that it doesn’t just ask questions — it also includes health examinations and laboratory tests done by professionals.

Each year, a scientifically selected group of about 5,000 people are invited to participate in communities across the country. These participants represent the diversity of the U.S. population. Using this data, NHANES can provide accurate estimates about things like:

• Chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure

• Nutritional status, diet, and supplement intake

• Environmental exposures (like lead or other chemicals)

• Trends in overall health and lifestyle behaviors

• Undiagnosed health conditions that people may not know they have

Why This Survey Matters

The information collected through NHANES is used for real-world impact:

• Healthcare providers use the data to improve how they screen for and treat diseases.

• Policymakers and public health officials use it to design programs that support healthier communities.

• Researchers analyze the data to better understand health trends and risk factors nationwide.

NHANES data have shaped major public health policies and recommendations, such as how dietary guidelines are formed and how we monitor disease trends.

Your Participation Counts

If your household was selected to take part, your participation can help improve health for thousands of people across the country. You’ll receive health screenings and exam results at no cost, and these results may help you learn more about your own health.

About the Survey Process

NHANES data are collected through:

• Interviews about lifestyle, diet, and health history

• Physical exams and measurements

• Laboratory tests and screenings

The survey teams include trained health professionals who work with participants respectfully and confidentially.

If you have questions about NHANES or what to expect, reaching out to the NHANES contact center can help provide answers.

Watch the NHANES Overview Video

Here’s a short video from the CDC that explains more about NHANES

Learn More

For complete details — including how NHANES protects participant privacy, what to expect during participation, and how data are used — visit the CDC’s official NHANES website.

The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District also has some information about NHANES on their website.