Obesity can be defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, whereas a BMI of 40 or greater characterizes severe obesity. The prevalence of obesity among adults in the United States is increasing at an alarming rate.
As of 2021, 71 million individuals, accounting for one-third of the U.S. population, were obese.[1] Obesity is a national epidemic and a severe public health concern as it contributes to high mortality and disability rates.
Comprehensive solutions are necessary to curb the epidemic and prevent weight gain from further devastating the U.S.[2]
The prevalence of adult obesity in the United States increased from 30.5 % in 1999-2000 up to 41.9% through 2020. During the same period, severe obesity prevalence increased from 4.7% to 9.2%.[3]
Analyzing data by gender reveals that more than one-third of men (34.1%) and more than one-fourth of women (27.5%) are overweight in the U.S. However, severe obesity is higher among women at 11.5% compared to men at 6.9%.[4]
Racial and ethnic disparities in adult obesity rates also persist. Although the majority of individuals impacted by obesity are white, the rates of obesity among racial and ethnic minorities are higher.
Obesity rates for Black (43%), Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (43%), American Indian or Alaska Native (39%), and Hispanic (37%) are higher than the obesity rate for White adults at 32%. Asian adults had the lowest obesity rate at 12%.[1]
There are a variety of factors that contribute to weight gain and the prevalence of obesity. These include both individual behaviors and environmental risk factors.
The health consequences of obesity are severe. Individuals struggling with obesity are at increasing risk for numerous deadly and debilitating health conditions that include:
Overall, obesity is an expensive disease. In 2019 alone, obesity cost the United States $173 billion. Medical costs for obese adults are $1,861 higher than that of a healthy adult.[3]
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 9.7% of the U.S. population lives in low-income areas.
These areas are classified by being more than one mile away from a supermarket, forcing residents to purchase food from convenience stores, liquor stores, gas stations, and fast-food restaurants.
A study that analyzed adults in the United States found that low-income families are at significantly higher risk of being obese. [7] Areas lacking access to healthy foods, including fresh produce, are referred to as food deserts.
Surveys of individuals living in these underserved areas revealed that residents have sufficient knowledge of healthy foods but face financial-related barriers as accessing these foods is associated with a high price tag.[8]
Obesity disproportionately affects Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) due to rampant structural racism within the U.S. healthcare system and local communities.
Black adults are less likely to receive an obesity diagnosis compared to their White counterparts. This medical negligence prevents disadvantaged individuals from accessing adequate treatment for obesity and its comorbidities.
BIPOC individuals are exposed to chronic stress due to the racism they endure. Stress is a risk factor for obesity and increases its severity. The majority of BIPOC individuals who are obese struggle to access care that would help them lose weight.
The majority of food deserts, which are densely populated by fast-food restaurants and convenience stores, are inhabited by BIPOC minorities. For these marginalized communities, highly processed food is not only easily accessible but also more affordable.
This is primarily due to government subsidies for industrial food processing companies. BIPOC individuals are forced to purchase cheap alternatives, and historical practices of redlining and residential segregation have perpetuated this behavior.[11]
The onset of the obesity epidemic was not sudden, as it slowly worsened with every subsequent year.
Preventing obesity requires the adoption of healthy behaviors. These include limiting the intake of unhealthy foods, including processed meat, sugary drinks, refined grains, and sweets.
Adopting a daily physical activity routine that meets physical exercise requirements for adults is also essential. This involves limiting sedentary behavior and screen time. Furthermore, obesity prevention involves improving sleep quality and minimizing stress.[9]
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals published by the United Nations to achieve a healthier and sustainable future for all. Goal 3 involves reducing premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases through prevention and treatment. Goal 16 involves reducing inequalities and addressing discrimination.
To progress towards achieving the SDGs, the U.S. must enact cost-effective strategies to address the obesity epidemic and structural racism.[10]
These policies include taxing sugar-sweetened beverages, eliminating tax subsidies for T.V. advertisements marketing unhealthy foods, education reform focusing on healthy behaviors and physical activity, and mandating physical exercise classes within schools.
All these policies have been proven more cost-effective than clinical interventions for obesity.[12]
Systematic inequalities faced by minorities living in food deserts can be addressed through policies that incentivize supermarkets and farmer's markets to open in these areas while banning fast-food restaurants from operating within particular zones.[13]
The adult obesity epidemic has taken a massive toll on the United States healthcare system and its economy by negatively impacting its population's overall health and productivity.
The alarming statistics and health consequences of obesity serve as a reminder for urgent action to address this public health crisis.
A comprehensive public health approach incorporating education, policy reform, and community engagement is crucial to ending the obesity epidemic.
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