The latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics show an alarming trend: obesity and overweight rates among both adults and children in the United States continue to rise, reports Medical Xpress.

According to a study by researcher Cheryl Fryar and colleagues, between August 2021 and August 2023, 40.3% of American adults aged 20 and older had obesity, including 9.7% with severe obesity. An additional 31.7% were classified as overweight.

For comparison, during 1988–1994, 22.9% of adults had obesity, and only 2.8% had severe obesity. Over three decades, the prevalence of obesity has nearly doubled, while severe obesity has more than tripled.

A parallel study by Adi Neuman and colleagues examined U.S. children and adolescents aged 2 to 19. It found that in 2021–2023, 21.1% of children and teenagers had obesity, including 7% with severe obesity, while 15.1% were overweight. Over the past 50 years — since 1971–1974 — childhood obesity increased from 5.2% to 21.1%, and severe obesity rose from 1% to 7%. The increase was observed across all age groups, from toddlers aged 2–5 to adolescents aged 12–19.

Researchers emphasize that these trends reflect changes in lifestyle, diet, physical activity, and the environment, as well as the complex interaction of genetic and sociocultural factors. The rise in childhood obesity is particularly concerning, as excess weight at an early age is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions in adulthood.

The authors argue that slowing these trends will require comprehensive measures at the family, school, healthcare, and policy levels — including improved access to healthy foods, support for physical activity, and nutrition education programs. Without timely intervention, the consequences for public health could be substantial, placing an even greater burden on the healthcare system.