The obesity rate among adults in the United States has plateaued, while severe obesity continues to rise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A recent report from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics revealed that from August 2021 to August 2023, approximately 40.3% of adults were classified as obese. This is a slight decrease from 41.9% in 2020. While the drop is minimal and not seen as a significant reversal of the obesity epidemic, it marks a notable shift from previous trends.
Since 2011, the CDC has reported a steady increase in obesity among U.S. adults. Despite the overall obesity rate stabilizing, severe obesity has grown, highlighting the ongoing crisis. The CDC noted that from 2013-2014 to August 2023, the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity remained unchanged, but severe obesity rose from 7.7% to 9.7%.
Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, while severe obesity is defined as a BMI of 40 or higher. The CDC found that 6.7% of men and 12.1% of women are severely obese, with the highest rates in men aged 40-59 and women aged 20-59.
The CDC’s “Healthy People 2030” initiative aims to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight through better nutrition and physical activity. The goal is to reduce the obesity rate to below 38.6% by 2030, but officials warn that the situation is worsening.
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