Confronting the Growing Epidemic of Obesity in the US

Nearly Half of Adolescents and Three-Quarters of Adults in the US are Classified as Clinically Overweight or Obese

Nearly half of adolescents and three-quarters of adults in the US were classified as being clinically overweight or obese in 2021. The rates have more than doubled compared with 1990.

Forecasted Trends and Projections

Without urgent intervention, our study forecasts that more than 80% of adults and close to 60% of adolescents will be classified as overweight or obese by 2050. These are the key findings of our recent study, published in the journal The Lancet.

Historical Trend of Obesity and the Condition of Being Overweight

Synthesizing body mass index data from 132 unique sources in the US, including national and state-representative surveys, we examined the historical trend of obesity and the condition of being overweight from 1990 to 2021 and forecast estimates through 2050.

Why it Matters

The US already has one of the highest rates of obesity and people who are overweight globally. Our study estimated that in 2021, a total of 208 million people in the US were medically classified as overweight or obese.

Economic Implications of Obesity

The economic implications of obesity are also profound. A report by Republican members of the Joint Economic Committee of the US Congress, published in 2024, predicted that obesity-related healthcare costs will rise to US$9.1 trillion over the next decade.

The Rise in Childhood and Adolescent Obesity

The rise in childhood and adolescent obesity is particularly concerning, with the rate of obesity more than doubling among adolescents ages 15 to 24 since 1990. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey revealed that nearly 20% of children and adolescents in the US ages 2 to 19 live with obesity.

What Other Research is Being Done

Our research highlighted substantial geographical disparities in overweight and obesity prevalence across states, with southern US states observing some of the highest rates. Other studies on obesity in the US have also underscored significant socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic disparities.

Conclusion

The rising trend of obesity in the US is a pressing public health concern that requires immediate attention. The forecasted trends and projections suggest that the situation will worsen unless effective interventions are implemented. It is essential to address the socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic disparities in obesity rates and to develop evidence-based solutions to combat this growing epidemic.

FAQs

Q: What is the current rate of obesity in the US?
A: Nearly half of adolescents and three-quarters of adults in the US were classified as being clinically overweight or obese in 2021.

Q: What are the forecasted trends and projections for obesity in the US?
A: Without urgent intervention, our study forecasts that more than 80% of adults and close to 60% of adolescents will be classified as overweight or obese by 2050.

Q: What are some of the economic implications of obesity?
A: The economic implications of obesity are profound, with predicted healthcare costs rising to US$9.1 trillion over the next decade.

Q: What are some of the factors contributing to the rise in childhood and adolescent obesity?
A: The rise in childhood and adolescent obesity is particularly concerning, with the rate of obesity more than doubling among adolescents ages 15 to 24 since 1990.

Q: What are some of the potential solutions to combat the growing epidemic of obesity?
A: Our research highlights the need for evidence-based solutions, including new-generation anti-obesity medications, technology-driven behavioral interventions, and addressing socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic disparities in obesity rates.