America’s Growing Obesity Epidemic: 3 Charts Explain Obesity Rates Across The US

One significant health challenge that has gradually risen from being a mere health threat to a rising epidemic is obesity. Most recently, the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) reported that all states and territories in America have an obesity prevalence of more than 20% which means an increased occurrence of more than 1 in  5 adults. The CDC’s findings also reveal that 22 states currently have adult obesity rates at or above 35%.

Its relationship to diseases like stroke, heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and more makes its significance clear. Along with its impact on reduced quality of life, ongoing health disparity exposure, economic implications, impact on health systems, and potential to affect public health infrastructure, resources, and policies, obesity’s significant contribution to premature mortality is a troubling issue.

America’s Mounting Obesity Crisis: Battling The Growing Epidemic!

A recent chart by USA Today showcased the distribution of obesity in the United States revealing disparities across gender and racial/ethnic groups. With an overall rate of 42% among adults, this highlights the scale of the obesity epidemic. Men have a slightly higher rate at 43%, emphasizing the need to address gender-specific aspects of obesity. Women, with a 42% obesity rate, are also significantly affected.

Among racial and ethnic groups, whites have a 45% obesity rate, while black adults have a lower rate at 40%. Hispanic adults face a higher rate of 50%, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive approaches. Asian adults have a comparatively lower rate at 41%, but variations exist within this group based on factors like country of origin.

Another candid and vivid pointer will be the charts on the increase in ultra-processed food consumption, which is high in fats, sugars, and salt but low in essential nutrients, and how it has been the primary factor in having diets as a contributor to the obesity epidemic as revealed by Mail Online.

Lastly, an estimated one in five children in the United States between the ages of 2 and 19 is affected by obesity, meaning they have a body mass index, or B.M.I., at or above the 95th percentile for their age and sex based on C.D.C. growth charts. This further makes a case for the burden obesity has put on the healthcare systems presently and most likely in the future if compelling interventions are not established. Generally, obesity has a significant financial impact on healthcare systems, with hundreds of billions of dollars in annual medical costs.

These charts provide an insight into the real situation of the obesity epidemic in America. Winning the ‘health war’ against obesity will require health professionals, communities, and policymakers to work together to understand the underlying causes that act as contributing factors. Using an all-hands-on-deck approach will assist in creating interventions that yield results and in turning around this alarming trend among populations in the USA.

Also Read: CDC Reports Soaring Obesity Rates In Multiple U.S. States