Obesity in the United States remains alarmingly high, affecting 40% of adults, according to recent data from the CDC. Perhaps most concerning is the rise in severe obesity, which has increased significantly over the last decade, particularly among women. New government research reveals that nearly 1 in 10 Americans now suffers from severe obesity, which is associated with serious health risks like heart disease, diabetes, and decreased quality of life.
This trend of severe obesity, especially among women, has nearly doubled since 2013. Today, women are almost twice as likely as men to report severe obesity, with researchers noting that hormonal changes, childbearing, and other factors may contribute to the disparity. Dr. Solveig Cunningham, a global health professor from Emory University, emphasized the dangerous implications of these trends, pointing out that severe obesity leads to some of the most severe health complications.
In the last 50 years, obesity rates worldwide have doubled, and tripled in the US
Obesity has healthcare costs that exceed $700 billion each year
Here is why, what to do about it and what it means for society:
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The CDC's findings are based on a survey conducted between 2021 and 2023, encompassing approximately 6,000 participants. While the overall obesity rate has remained relatively stable compared to earlier surveys, the uptick in severe obesity suggests that the issue may be worsening, despite recent advancements in treatments. Weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound have been lauded as breakthroughs, yet it's unclear if they are making a significant dent in reducing obesity rates nationwide. Dr. Samuel Emmerich of the CDC warned that more time and data are needed to assess the impact of these medications on the population.
The geographic distribution of obesity also paints a concerning picture. Obesity rates are highest in the Midwest and the South, with states like West Virginia and Louisiana topping the list. West Virginia's adult obesity rate exceeds 41%, while Washington, D.C., has the lowest at just under 24%.
rates of overweight Americans
1960: 45%
1980 48%
2000: 70%
2020: 75%obesity absolutely skyrocketed after 1980
something new is causing people to balloon pic.twitter.com/QCnNKpfYc4
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This marks a dramatic shift from just a decade ago when no state had an obesity rate above 35%. In 2023, 23 states reported that more than a third of their adult population was obese, a sharp increase from previous years.
Educational attainment appears to play a role in obesity prevalence as well. CDC data show that 45% of adults with a high school diploma or less reported obesity, compared to just 32% of those with a bachelor’s degree. This suggests that social factors, including education and economic status, significantly impact health outcomes and access to resources for weight management.
Despite these sobering statistics, there is hope on the horizon. Experts like Dr. Alyson Goodman of the CDC point to the growing recognition of obesity as a metabolic disease, which has fueled the development of new treatments and interventions. The challenge, however, lies in prevention, particularly among children. Early interventions and education could be key to reversing these trends, as studies show it is far more difficult to lose weight once obesity has set in. Preventing further weight gain, particularly in young people, should be a national priority.
Even as the medical community continues to grapple with this growing epidemic, public health experts remain cautiously optimistic. The rapid development of medical treatments, coupled with a deeper understanding of obesity’s root causes, offers some hope. However, the stark reality remains: without a concerted national effort to prevent and reduce obesity, millions more Americans may face serious, life-threatening conditions.
