Key Takeaways
- Adult obesity in the United States has increased from 19.3% in 1990 to 42.5% in 2022, with a forecasted increase to 46.9% by 2035.
- The study used BMI to define obesity, which has been criticized as an outdated method that does not directly measure body fat or account for body composition.
- There are large disparities in obesity prevalence among different age, sex, race, and ethnicity groups, with non-Hispanic Black females having the highest obesity prevalence at 56.9% in 2022.
- Obesity varies by state, with the highest prevalence in West Virginia and the lowest in the District of Columbia for non-Hispanic White males and females.
- The authors note that socioeconomic disparities, including race-based discrimination, food insecurity, and limited access to healthy food and physical activity, contribute to the disparities in obesity prevalence.
Introduction to the Study
The prevalence of adult obesity in the United States has been on the rise over the past 30 years, and this trend is expected to continue in the next decade. A new study published in JAMA found that the percentage of U.S. adults living with obesity increased from 19.3% in 1990 to 42.5% in 2022, with a forecasted increase to 46.9% by 2035. The study analyzed data from a total of 11,315,421 U.S. participants using two cross-sectional, nationally representative surveys. The researchers used body mass index (BMI) to define obesity, which is a measurement based on height and weight. However, this method has been criticized by health experts, including registered dietitian Ashley Koff, as outdated and problematic.
Limitations of the Study
The study’s authors noted that BMI does not directly measure body fat or account for body composition, which may lead to errors in estimating obesity prevalence. These errors may differ by demographic group, and the study’s reliance on self-reported health information and sparse data in some locations are also limitations. Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the trends and disparities in obesity prevalence among different age, sex, race, and ethnicity groups. Koff emphasized that the numbers do not tell the whole story, as they do not account for the health, mental health, and financial investments individuals make to optimize their overall health and lose weight.
Disparities in Obesity Prevalence
The study found significant disparities in obesity prevalence among different demographic groups. Non-Hispanic Black females had the highest obesity prevalence at 56.9% in 2022, followed by Hispanic males, non-Hispanic White males and females, and non-Hispanic Black males, who had similar prevalence rates ranging from 40.1% to 42.6%. The largest increases in obesity prevalence were among Hispanic females and males, while the smallest increases were among non-Hispanic Black males. The study also found that obesity varied by state, with the highest prevalence in West Virginia and the lowest in the District of Columbia for non-Hispanic White males and females. For the Hispanic population, obesity was generally highest in the Midwest and the South, specifically in Oklahoma for females and Indiana for males.
Causes of Disparities in Obesity Prevalence
The authors noted that the disparities in obesity prevalence are likely the result of several factors, including race-based discrimination, food insecurity, and differing access to healthy food and space for physical activity. Physical inactivity and diet do not exist in isolation, and they often reflect deep socioeconomic disparities. The authors emphasized that policy interventions can target these causes to blunt the concerning trajectory of obesity. Koff added that access to support, including qualified dietitians and coaches, is limited, and that personalized plans and implementation are necessary to prevent and manage obesity. However, this support is not currently accessible to most people, even with a diagnosis of obesity and diabetes.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The study’s findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the rising prevalence of adult obesity in the United States. The authors and health experts emphasize the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities, including race-based discrimination, food insecurity, and limited access to healthy food and physical activity. Additionally, there is a need for more accurate and nuanced measures of obesity, beyond BMI, to better understand the health and well-being of individuals. Koff stressed the importance of access to support, including qualified dietitians and coaches, to help individuals prevent and manage obesity. Ultimately, a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of obesity and provides accessible support to individuals is necessary to reverse the trend of rising obesity prevalence in the United States.
