US Obesity Rates Double in 30 Years, Projections Grim

Obesity rates among American adults have more than doubled over the past three decades, escalating from 34.7 million in 1990 to an estimated 107 million in 2022. Researchers now project that this trend will continue, with nearly half of all US adults, approximately 126 million people, potentially living with obesity by 2035. The study, which analyzed data from over 11 million Americans, revealed that women, particularly younger women under 35, and Southern states are disproportionately impacted.

Black women and Hispanic women experienced the highest rates of obesity in 2022. Experts suggest that disparities in income, healthcare access, food availability, and exercise opportunities contribute to these trends. Lead researcher Dr. Catherine O. Johnson emphasized that obesity is a major public health threat requiring immediate public health strategies and equitable access to clinical interventions. The growing prevalence of obesity is also expected to place significant pressure on healthcare systems, with associated costs projected to rise substantially from nearly $200 billion in 2019.