Severe obesity rates have increased in the U.S., even as the overall obesity rate remains high but stable, according to new CDC data.
Jonel Aleccia reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- The U.S. obesity rate is 40%, with nearly 10% of Americans experiencing severe obesity.
- Women are almost twice as likely as men to report severe obesity, and rates are rising compared to a decade ago.
- Education level plays a role: 45% of people with a high school diploma or less report obesity compared to 32% with a bachelor’s degree.
Key quote:
"Seeing increases in severe obesity is even more alarming because that’s the level of obesity that’s most highly associated with some of the highest levels of cardiovascular disease and diabetes and lower quality of life."
— Solveig Cunningham, Emory University global health professor who specializes in obesity
Why this matters:
Severe obesity increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and lowers quality of life. As rates continue to climb, public health efforts need to focus on prevention, particularly targeting early childhood and education. Obesogens, endocrine-disrupting chemicals that alter hormone activity, can also spur obesity. These are found not only in food, but in consumer products like makeup, shampoos, plastics and food packaging.
Learn more about why doctors advocate for treating obesity as an environmental problem.
