Are Obesity Rates Rising In US?
Introduction:
Although the prevalence of obesity in the United States is still high, new government research shows that the percentage of people who are severely obese, particularly women, has increased since ten years ago.
It is a serious health problem linked to many illnesses, including a higher risk of coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer. It also significantly raises early death and financial expenses. About four out of five Black women in the US are overweight or obese, making them the group with the highest obesity rates in the country.
A poll of over 6,000 persons conducted in 2021–2023 found that the obesity rate in the United States is approximately 40%. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one out of ten respondents reported being severely obese. The prevalence of extreme obesity was almost twice as high among women as among males.
Although the overall obesity rate seemed to have decreased slightly from the 2017–2020 survey, the shift was not deemed statistically significant since the numbers are so small that there is a mathematical possibility that they did not decrease.
According to Dr. Samuel Emmerich, the CDC public health officer who oversaw the most recent study, it is therefore too soon to tell whether novel therapies for obesity, such as popular weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound, can lessen the epidemic of the chronic condition linked to several health issues.
Alarming American Obesity Statistics:
According to a 2023 estimate, one in six youngsters and one in three adults in America suffer from obesity. According to the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the following figures were gathered:
- In the United States, obesity was 41.9% between 2017 and March 2020.
- For historical reference, the prevalence was only 30.5% in 1999–2000, 20 years prior.
- In the United States, obesity-related medical expenses are expected to reach close to $173 billion per year.
According to a 2023 World Obesity Atlas (WOA) report, the United States has one of the highest prevalences of obesity in the world, with over half of the world’s population expected to be obese by 2035.
The link between obesity and declining life expectancy is arguably the most alarming. According to a 2014 NIH study, compared to an adult of healthy weight, severe or class III obesity can reduce life expectancy by up to 14 years. That is comparable to how smoking cigarettes affects life expectancy.
Rates of Childhood and Adolescent Obesity:
Childhood obesity might be difficult to overcome later in life. Sadly, children are not exempt from the rising obesity rates in the United States. According to the CDC, from 2017 to 2020:
- Among children and adolescents, 19.7% of them were obese.
- Among children aged 2 to 5, the prevalence was 12.7%.
- 20.7% of those aged 6 to 11.
- Of those aged 12 to 19, 22.2%.
This indicates that over 14 million children in the United States suffer from obesity. Related illnesses like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, asthma, and joint issues may also affect them. We’ll talk about some of the populations that have higher rates of childhood obesity.
Rates of Obesity by Geography:
The prevalence of obesity varies significantly across the nation. The prevalence of obesity differs considerably between the Northeast and Southern regions of the United States, and adults in rural areas are more likely to be obese than adults in metropolitan areas.
Three states—Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Louisiana—had obesity rates of 40% or more as of 2023. The only city with a rate lower than 25% is Washington, D.C.
Rates of Obesity by Ethnicity and Race:
Several racial and ethnic groups disproportionately feel the effects of obesity. Going back to the NHANES report from the CDC:
With an age-adjusted prevalence of 49.9%, non-Hispanic Black people had the highest rate of obesity.
- At 54.8%, the frequency is much higher among Black women who are not Hispanic.
- 45.6% of Hispanic adults have the condition.
- It is 41.4% among non-Hispanic White adults.
- It is 16.1% among adults who are not Hispanic or Asian.
Additionally, children of certain ethnicities have disproportionately higher rates.
- The prevalence of obesity among Hispanic youngsters was 26.2%.
- 24.8% of Black children who are not Hispanic.
- 16.6% of White children who are not Hispanic.
- 9.0% of children who are not Hispanic or Asian.
It should be mentioned that BMI, the current benchmark, is the basis for all obesity statistics presented here. However, as BMI charts don’t always give a reliable picture of health for everyone, it is advised that they be customized based on race, ethnicity, and other variables.
Socioeconomic Status and Obesity:
Socioeconomic status, which takes household income and education into account, is another factor contributing to the rise in obesity rates. The CDC released data gathered between 2011 and 2014:
The prevalence of obesity was lower among adults with college degrees than among those with less education.
As wealth increased, the frequency of obesity in women fell from 45.2% to 29.7%.
The prevalence of obesity in men, however, did not differ between the lowest (31.5%) and highest (32.6%) income levels.
The differences in age and ethnicity add to the complexity. These variations are covered in greater detail in the paper that is referenced above.
How many adults were obese between August 2021 and August 2023?
Between August 2021 and August 2023, 40.3% of adults were obese. Men’s prevalence was 39.2%, while women’s was 41.3%. Overall and across all age groups, there were no discernible differences between men and women.

- Compared to people aged 20–39 (35.5%) and 60 and older (38.9%), the prevalence of obesity among adults aged 40–59 was greater at 46.4%. Both men and women exhibited this trend.
- Notably distinct from those aged 20–39 (p < 0.05).
- Different from those aged 60 and above (p < 0.05).
NOTE: Age-adjusted estimates for adults aged 20 and older were calculated using the direct method to the U.S. Census 2000 population using age categories 20–39, 40–59, and 60 and older. The estimates are 40.3% for the overall population, 39.3% for males, and 41.4% for women.
Obesity-Related Health Problems:
The fact that obesity increases a person’s risk of developing several chronic illnesses is among its most alarming features. Such as cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, osteoarthritis, steatotic liver disease, sleep apnoea, depression, infertility, social isolation, raised cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Furthermore, as demonstrated by sarcopenic obesity, a condition marked by the combination of a high body mass index and considerable muscle loss, linked conditions can make one another worse.
Obese people frequently experience mental health problems. Self-esteem may suffer as a result of the widespread stigma associated with obesity. A person’s mental health may also be harmed by repeated failed attempts to reduce weight and maintain it.
Addressing a patient’s general health and assisting them in comprehending the broader health consequences of their weight are crucial.
Why Have Obesity Rates Increased?
A “complex neurobehavioral disease,” obesity is brought on by a diet high in calories and low in exercise. Obesity is caused by a variety of causes, including body weight genes, the kind and amount of food ingested, physical activity, sleep deprivation, stress, and socioeconomic circumstances.
Why, therefore, have these rates gone up in the last few decades? Pure caloric consumption is responsible for a large portion of the trend. Compared to 1970, the average American now consumes 23% more calories each day.
All 2,481 calories, or over half of the daily norm, are derived from grains and flour.
In its 2016 Food Availability (Per Capita) Data System (FADS) report, USDA listed the dietary patterns of Americans. In addition to the aforementioned, scientists discovered that Americans consume less milk and meat and more cheese and sweets made from maize than they did twenty years ago. Obesity increases are hard to link to a single eating trend.
Portion control and dietary choices might be difficult because Americans are eating more and cooking less at home than they did in the past. Furthermore, some people may not be able to afford healthier diets due to restricted budgets. Less walking and more time spent in sedentary jobs are some suggested offenders.
Anxiety and depression rates are at all-time highs in the 2020s. Weight and mental health have a complex relationship. Emotional eating patterns and a decreased desire to implement healthy lifestyle modifications can result from these problems.
The rise in obesity rates may be the result of a mix of the aforementioned factors. Keep in mind that every patient is different and has a different background, way of life, and medical history.
Addressing This Crisis with the Four Pillars of Obesity Treatment:
Nutrition therapy, physical activity, behavioral modification, and medicinal therapies are the four pillars of the comprehensive care paradigm for obesity treatment that the OMA supports.
By using this strategy, healthcare providers are better prepared to treat patients as a whole rather than simply their obesity symptoms. Here are some strategies we may try to buck these worrying trends as we work together to address this public health emergency.
Dietary Counselling
Obesity can be prevented and treated with a nutritious, well-balanced diet. A patient can concentrate on eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free milk, and a range of animal or plant-based proteins.
Encourage a patient to limit their consumption of processed foods and limit their daily intake of sugar to less than six teaspoons. They can also concentrate on increasing their daily water intake. By putting your patients in touch with resources that will teach them more about eating healthily, you may assist them.
Exercise
It is generally acknowledged that maintaining a healthy weight can be achieved by increased physical activity and getting enough sleep.
Weekly moderate-intensity aerobic activity should be between 150 and 300 minutes, according to the American Heart Association. Another strategy to aim for an acceptable physical activity goal is to walk 10,000 steps a day. Assist the patient in establishing reasonable objectives for themselves and provide ongoing support during the process. A person may find it quite challenging to go from no activity to 10,000 steps in a single day. Celebrate your victories in increasing activity, no matter how modest at first.
Patients may find it simpler to include exercise and activity into their daily routines if they can figure out how to wean themselves off of screens and mobile gadgets. Their steps can be tracked by a wearable gadget, which could inspire them. Encourage your patients to engage in an activity they enjoy, and they might even be able to invite friends or family to join them.
Changes in Behaviour
For an obese patient, changing their lifestyle can be extremely challenging and complicated. Behavior modification can be helpful because it’s not as simple as eating healthier and exercising more.
Behavioral strategies can assist in addressing issues including eating out, food cravings, snacking, emotional eating, and sedentary behavior that can hinder the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.
To overcome their inclinations towards food and eating, certain patients might require a customized approach. Cognitive behavioral therapy might be helpful for certain people.
Motivational interviewing is a method you may use with patients. This cooperative communication approach has become well-known as a useful instrument for facilitating sustained lifestyle changes.
To help a patient overcome ambivalence and take action toward goal-setting and constructive transformation, it combines listening, interpersonal skills, and support. Go here to find out more about motivational interviewing.
Interventions in Medicine
Obesity is also managed with medical and surgical means. The number of licensed drugs to treat obesity is increasing. Most produce a feeling of fullness by reducing appetite or postponing the time food moves from the stomach to the bowel.
These drugs might not be the best option for everyone, though.
A patient’s health history, present prescriptions, allergies, side effects, and contraindications are just a few of the many variables that determine whether a medication is necessary and suitable for them.
Another common method of weight loss is surgery. The surgical method, which includes shrinking the stomach or changing the digestive tract to cause weight loss, is often saved for those who are extremely obese.
You can help reverse the trend of rising obesity rates in America as a medical professional, even if you are not an expert in obesity medicine. The OMA is here for you with countless tools, conferences, podcasts, and other learning opportunities. Visit our website and think about signing up as a member right now.
FAQs
In 2024, how obese will America be?
According to recent official data, more than 40% of American people are obese, with rates for men and women being about equal.
Does America dominate the world in obesity?
Is America indeed the world’s most obese nation? Not quite; it is the 12th most obese nation in the world, but it is the top one when high-income nations are taken into account.
Which factor contributes most to obesity in the US?
Lifestyle decisions. Obesity is a result of both overeating and inactivity. However, you may alter these lifestyle decisions. You will probably gain weight if a large portion of your calories come from processed foods or foods that are high in fat or sugar.
Which American city is the fittest?
However, there is a higher likelihood that they will arrive if you construct it and make it available. That has been the formula for success in Arlington, Virginia, which the 2024 American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) American Fitness Index named America’s fittest city for the seventh year in a row.
Why is obesity on the rise in America?
In the United States today, 15% of children and adolescents and 65% of adults are overweight or obese. Americans consume more calories than they expend, and the surplus energy is stored as fat. This physiological mechanism is the obvious cause of the rise in obesity.
Is obesity in the UK higher than in the US?
In 2022, the UK’s obesity prevalence was the 87th highest for women worldwide and the 55th highest for men. Obesity rates in the United States rose from 16.9% to 41.6% in 2022 for men and from 21.2% in 1990 to 43.8% in 2022 for women.
References
- Obesity Medicine Association. (2024, December 19). Rising obesity rates in America: a public health crisis. Obesity Medicine Association. https://obesitymedicine.org/blog/rising-obesity-rates-in-america-a-public-health-crisis/
- Aleccia, J. (2024, September 24). Severe obesity is on the rise in the US | AP News. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/how-common-is-obesity-us-5663c0388b19009eae3834d695710bc4
- Wikipedia contributors. (2025a, January 19). Obesity in the United States. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obesity_in_the_United_States