US Obesity Epidemic Continues to Surge

Disturbing new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that the number of states in which at least 35% of residents are obese has nearly doubled since 2018. As of 2020, 16 states had reached this grim milestone, up from 12 in 2019 and 9 in 2018. A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30.0 or higher is defined as falling within the obesity range.

The CDC’s Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps for 2020 also show notable racial and ethnic disparities. Based on self-reported height and weight data, only seven states had obesity prevalence at or above 35% among non-Hispanic White residents. For Hispanic residents, this obesity prevalence was reported in 22 states, and for non-Hispanic Black residents, in 35 states and the District of Columbia.

Analysis by education shows that obesity prevalence decreases with the level of education. Adults without a high school degree have the highest rate (38%), followed by adults with a high school degree or some college (34%). Self-reported obesity for college graduates stood at 25%. Age is also a factor, with older residents being more likely to be obese. Adults aged 45 to 54 reported the highest prevalence (38%) of obesity, as compared to those aged 18 to 24 (19%).

Obesity can lead to a raft of chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain, and some cancers. CDC statistics show that one in five children and more than one in three adults struggle with obesity. Nearly one in four young adults are too heavy to serve in the military. The condition costs the national healthcare system $147 billion a year.

The CDC stresses that reversing the epidemic is a multi-pronged challenge that involves policy makers, local and community leaders, schools, healthcare professionals, and individuals. Efforts should focus on supporting healthy eating and active living, as achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is about adopting a healthy lifestyle rather than short-term dietary changes.