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Alarming Rise in Severe Obesity in US Adults.
Above images of Americans on the beach in the 70s
Some sections of beach goers today
A report coming out from the CDC on September 24, 2024 has raised an alarm over the rising rate of obesity among US adults. Statistics from the report state that nearly 1 in 10 adults have severe obesity, and women are more likely than men to have the health condition.
Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. A BMI of 40 or higher identified people with severe obesity. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.
The report is based on data from the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Survey collected from 2021 to 2023.
The survey includes an in-home interview that is followed up by a health examination in a mobile screening center. This report also found than more than 100 million adults in the US have obesity. It also acknowledges that BMI has limits as an indicator of obesity since it does not directly measure body fat or evaluate body fat distribution.
The distribution of excess body fat, especially visceral fat, contributes to the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, the study also found. Despite these limitations, BMI is a simple and inexpensive screening tool for conditions that might increase the risk for certain chronic diseases. Visceral fat is stored deep in the belly area and can have toxic impacts on the organs that it surrounds.
Health Problems Related to Obesity
Heart Disease
A report coming out from the CDC on September 24, 2024 has raised an alarm over the rising rate of obesity among US adults. Statistics from the report state that nearly 1 in 10 adults have severe obesity, and women are more likely than men to have the health condition.
Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. A BMI of 40 or higher identified people with severe obesity. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.
The report is based on data from the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Survey collected from 2021 to 2023.
The survey includes an in-home interview that is followed up by a health examination in a mobile screening center. This report also found than more than 100 million adults in the US have obesity. It also acknowledges that BMI has limits as an indicator of obesity since it does not directly measure body fat or evaluate body fat distribution.
The distribution of excess body fat, especially visceral fat, contributes to the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, the study also found. Despite these limitations, BMI is a simple and inexpensive screening tool for conditions that might increase the risk for certain chronic diseases. Visceral fat is stored deep in the belly area and can have toxic impacts on the organs that it surrounds.
Health Problems Related to Obesity
Heart Disease
High Blood Pressure
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver
High Cholesterol
Diabetes
Asthma
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Osteoarthritis
Credit: WebMD