Adult obesity slightly declines to 40%, still higher than a decade ago

Recent federal data reveals a modest decline in obesity rates among adults in the United States, yet the figures remain higher than those recorded a decade ago. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 40.3% of adults aged 20 and older were estimated to be obese between August 2021 and August 2023.

This marks a decrease from the 41.9% obesity rate reported between 2017 and 2020 but still surpasses the 37.7% recorded in 2013-2014.

In addition, rates of severe obesity have risen slightly from 9.2% during the earlier reporting period to 9.7% in the latest data. Back in 2013-2014, the severe obesity rate was about 7.7%.

The implications of these statistics are substantial, indicating that more than 100 million American adults currently live with obesity, while over 20 million face severe obesity challenges, based on U.S. Census Bureau data.

Dr. John Brownstein, an epidemiologist and chief innovation officer at Boston Children’s Hospital, emphasized the need for awareness despite the slight reduction in overall obesity rates. “Although the data indicate a short-term leveling off in obesity rates, they still reflect a significant public health issue,” he stated. “These numbers, while not rising, are alarmingly high when compared to a decade ago, highlighting an urgent requirement for focused public health strategies.”

When examining the prevalence of severe obesity, the report found that women were affected more significantly, with a rate of 12.7%, compared to 6.7% among men.

The data also illustrated age-related trends in obesity rates. Adults aged 40 to 59 exhibited the highest prevalence of obesity at 46.4%. For context, adults aged 20 to 39 had an obesity rate of 35.5%, while those aged 60 and older reported a rate of 38.9%. This trend was consistent across both genders.

For severe obesity specifically, the highest rates were again observed in the 40 to 59 age group, reaching 12%. Adults aged 20 to 29 had a slightly lower prevalence at 9.5%, while those aged 60 and older saw the lowest at 6.6%.

The report also drew attention to the impact of education on obesity rates. Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher displayed the lowest prevalence of obesity, at 31.6% between August 2021 and August 2023. Notably, there were no significant differences between men and women concerning obesity prevalence across various education levels.

Being obese increases the risk for a range of chronic diseases. The CDC estimates that around 58% of obese adults in the U.S. suffer from high blood pressure, while roughly 23% have diabetes.

Additionally, obesity imposes considerable costs on the healthcare system. In 2019, it was reported that medical expenses for obese adults were, on average, $1,861 higher per person compared to adults with healthy weights. For those classified as severely obese, the excess medical costs were even greater, amounting to $3,097 per person, according to CDC data.

Dr. Brownstein concluded by highlighting the widespread nature of the obesity crisis in the country. “Despite variations across different demographics, this data underscores that obesity is a pervasive health concern in the U.S., impacting individuals across all ages and genders,” he said. “It emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive approaches to aid individuals and communities in embracing healthier lifestyles.”

Source: ABC News