Alarming Rise in Obesity Rates: Shocking CDC Data Reveals Alarming Trend

In 2022, new data released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals a concerning trend of increasing obesity rates in a larger number of states. The report shows that 22 states now have at least 35% of adults with obesity, compared to 19 states the previous year. Startlingly, the CDC also notes that a decade ago, none of the states in the US had an adult obesity prevalence reaching or surpassing 35%.

The new data show prevalence was highest in Louisiana, Oklahoma and West Virginia, where more than 40% of adults had obesity.

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In terms of regional distribution, the Midwest and the South had the highest rates of obesity, with approximately 36% of adults being affected. In 2022, the Northeast and the West had a slightly lower prevalence, with around 30% of adults being classified as obese.

The data is sourced from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a survey jointly conducted by the CDC and state health departments. Adults were categorized as obese if their body mass index (BMI) was 30 or higher, using self-reported measurements of height and weight.

The recently published data, released on Thursday, reveals significant disparities in obesity prevalence among different racial and ethnic groups.

In 38 states, at least 35% of Black adults were found to have obesity. The same trend was observed for American Indian adults in 33 states and Hispanic adults in 32 states. Among Asian adults, no state reported obesity rates exceeding 35%, while only 14 states met or surpassed this metric for White adults.

The prevalence of obesity was the lowest among young adults, with approximately 1 in 5 individuals aged 18 to 24 considered obese. In contrast, the rates were approximately twice as high among adults aged 45 to 54, with around 2 in 5 individuals affected, as per CDC data. Furthermore, the likelihood of obesity decreased as the level of education increased.

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"Our revised maps emphasize the pressing need for increased assistance in obesity prevention and treatment. Obesity, a multifaceted disease influenced by various factors such as dietary habits, levels of physical activity, sleep patterns, genetics, and certain medications, cannot be addressed with a one-size-fits-all approach," stated Dr. Karen Hacker, Director of the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

"Nevertheless, we are aware of effective tactics that encompass tackling the fundamental social determinants of health, including improving access to healthcare, promoting affordable and nutritious food options, and creating safe environments for physical activity."