A concerning new study published in The Lancet projects that without immediate action, over 80% of American adults will be overweight or obese by 2050. The comprehensive analysis, led by researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, paints a troubling picture of America’s growing obesity crisis.
The research found that in 2021, about 172 million American adults were overweight or obese. Approximately 36.5 million children and adolescents aged 5-24 were affected. The study revealed significant geographic variations, with southern states like Mississippi, Alabama, and West Virginia showing exceptionally high rates.
Even more worrying are the future projections. If current trends continue, researchers estimate that an additional 41.4 million adults and 6.7 million children and adolescents will develop overweight or obesity by 2050, bringing the total number to 213 million adults and 43.1 million children and adolescents.
The study found that obesity has been increasing more rapidly than overweight, especially among adolescents. Between 1990 and 2021, obesity rates more than doubled among both male and female adolescents. The research also showed that females generally face higher risks than males, with nearly 29% of adolescent females having obesity in 2021 compared to about 23% of males.
“Existing policies have failed to address overweight and obesity,” the researchers conclude. They emphasize that without major reform, these trends will have devastating consequences for individuals and the healthcare system. The economic burden is already substantial, with direct healthcare costs attributed to obesity estimated between $261 billion and $481 billion in 2016.
The researchers stress that preventing obesity should be a primary focus, particularly in children and adolescents. They recommend a comprehensive approach that includes changes to food systems, urban design, and marketing regulations. While new medications for treating obesity show promise, the authors emphasize that prevention through policy changes remains crucial for addressing this public health crisis.
This study serves as a crucial reminder that while healthcare professionals and policymakers play essential roles, individuals ultimately bear significant responsibility for their health outcomes. The researchers emphasize that effective solutions must combine personal action and systemic changes. While doctors can provide treatment options and guidance, including newly available obesity medications, lasting change requires individuals to make sustained lifestyle modifications and healthy choices. The study’s projections highlight that preventing and addressing obesity requires a partnership between healthcare providers and patients and broader policy changes that make healthy choices more accessible. Without this combined approach of personal responsibility and systemic reform, the researchers warn, America’s obesity epidemic will continue to worsen, leading to escalating health and economic consequences for both individuals and society.
Reference: GBD 2021 US Obesity Forecasting Collaborators. National-level and state-level prevalence of overweight and obesity among children, adolescents, and adults in the USA, 1990-2021, and forecasts up to 2050. Lancet. 2024 Nov 14:S0140-6736(24)01548-4.
