Obesity and Severe Obesity Prevalence in Adults: United States, August 2021-August 2023.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Serial cross-sectional surveillance survey (by design analogy)
PubMed 39808758 · doi:10.15620/cdc/159281
What was done
Data from the August 2021-August 2023 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed using examination sample weights and complex multistage probability design adjustments. Measured height and weight were used to determine body mass index (BMI) for obesity (BMI >= 30) and severe obesity (BMI >= 40). Subgroup differences across age, sex, and education were tested using t tests. Ten-year prevalence trends across four NHANES cycles from 2013-2014 through August 2021-August 2023 were analyzed using polynomial regression.
What was found
During August 2021-August 2023, adult obesity prevalence was 40.3%, with no significant difference between men and women. Obesity prevalence was higher in adults aged 40-59 than in those aged 20-39 or 60 and older, and lower among adults with a bachelor's degree or more compared to those with less education. Severe obesity prevalence was 9.4% and was higher in women than men across every age group. From 2013-2014 to August 2021-August 2023, age-adjusted obesity prevalence showed no significant change, while severe obesity prevalence increased from 7.7% to 9.7%.
Why it matters
This report provides updated, nationally representative surveillance data demonstrating that while overall adult obesity prevalence has stabilized in the United States over the past decade, severe obesity continues to climb.
Limits
The abstract does not state the total participant sample size (n) or exact numerical percentages for specific age and education subgroups. As a cross-sectional survey design, it assesses population prevalence rather than individual longitudinal trajectories.
Cited by
- supports American society as a whole is much more overweight than it was 50 years ago.