Obesity prevalence among US adults falls slightly to 40%, remains higher than 10 years ago: CDC

The prevalence of obesity among adults has somewhat decreased successful the United States but remains higher than 10 years ago, caller national information shows.

Among adults aged 20 and older, astir 40.3% were estimated to beryllium obese betwixt August 2021 and August 2023, according to a study released aboriginal Tuesday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics.

This is little than the 41.9% estimated to beryllium obese betwixt 2017 and 2020 but higher than the 37.7% fig recorded from 2013 to 2014.

Meanwhile, rates of terrible obesity accrued from 9.2% betwixt 2017 and 2020 to 9.7% betwixt August 2021 and August 2023. Between 2013 and 2014, an estimated 7.7% of adults were severely obese.

This means much than 100 cardinal American adults person obesity, and much than 20 cardinal adults person terrible obesity, according to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Dr. John Brownstein, an epidemiologist and main innovation serviceman astatine Boston Children's Hospital, and an ABC News contributor, said that though the information amusement a short-term slowdown of obesity rates, the prevalence is inactive rather precocious and higher than seen 10 years ago.

The latest information reveals a persistent situation with obesity rates holding dependable astatine 40.3% among adults," helium said. "While this does not correspond an increase, it is important to admit that these rates are inactive alarmingly precocious -- higher than they were a decennary agone -- underscoring the urgent request for targeted nationalist wellness strategies."

The prevalence of terrible obesity was higher among women astatine 12.7% compared to 6.7% for men.

Among property groups, the prevalence of obesity was highest among adults betwixt ages 40 and 59 astatine 46.4%. By comparison, the prevalence successful adults betwixt ages 20 and 39 was 35.5% and among those aged 60 and older was 38.9%. This signifier was seen successful some men and women, according to the report.

Severe obesity prevalence was besides highest among those aged 40 to 59 astatine 12% compared to 9.5% for those aged 20 to 29 and 6.6% for those aged 60 and older.

When it came to prevalence by acquisition level, those with a bachelor's grade oregon much had the lowest prevalence of obesity astatine 31.6% betwixt August 2021 and August 2023.

There were nary important differences betwixt men and women successful obesity prevalence by acquisition level, the study found.

Adults with obesity are astatine precocious hazard of different chronic diseases. About 58% of obese adults successful the U.S. person precocious humor unit and astir 23% person diabetes, according to the CDC.

Additionally, obesity tin enactment a strain connected the wellness attraction system. In 2019, the yearly aesculapian costs for adults with obesity were $1,861 higher per idiosyncratic than for adults with steadfast weight. For those with terrible obesity, excess costs were $3,097 per person, the CDC said.

"While determination are immoderate differences crossed demographics, this enactment truly highlights that obesity is simply a wide wellness contented successful the U.S. and that men, women, young and aged are each affected," Brownstein said. "Comprehensive approaches are indispensable to enactment individuals and communities successful achieving healthier lifestyles."