A new study published in The Lancet has revealed that nearly 75% of adults in the United States were classified as overweight or obese as of 2021, underscoring a worsening health crisis. Researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington School of Medicine reported that the prevalence of obesity and overweight among adults has risen by over 40% since 1990, with projections indicating that 80% of Americans—or 260 million people—could fall into these categories by 2050.
The study defines overweight individuals as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher, and obesity as a BMI of 30 or more. While BMI may not fully account for differing body structures, it provides a consistent measure of body fat. The findings highlight that this epidemic is not limited to adults, as nearly half of Americans aged 15 to 24 are now overweight or obese, compared to just 29% in 1990.
The surge in obesity has driven increases in related illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol, contributing to a 140% rise in healthcare spending over the past 30 years. In 2021, obesity was linked to 335,000 deaths.
Although weight-loss drugs have gained popularity, study co-author Marie Ng warned they are “not a silver bullet” for combating the epidemic. Lead author Emmanuela Gakidou emphasized the need for coordinated efforts, including government investment in safe, walkable neighborhoods, access to healthy foods, regulation of the food and marketing industries, and sustainable food systems.
In a potential policy shift, President-elect Donald Trump has named Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has pledged to tighten regulations on food manufacturers to reduce the prevalence of highly processed foods, which could play a role in addressing the crisis.
