MAINTAIN HEALTHY BMI

Unhealthy weight, especially obesity and being clinically underweight, remains a major public health concern linked to chronic disease and reduced life expectancy. From 1999 to 2022, obesity rates rose steadily across all age groups, with the lowest rates consistently among adults 75+ and those aged 25-34. Rates are highest in midlife. College-educated Americans have lower obesity rates overall, though obesity increased more sharply among those with at least some college education than among those with no college education. The largest increases occurred among the oldest cohort, particularly within the lowest-income group.

Historically, Black Americans have had the highest obesity rates, but by 2017, young Hispanic and White adults (ages 25-34) reached comparable levels. Rates of being clinically underweight were higher among women until 2013, after which gender differences diminished due to declines among women.

Together, these trends reflect the combined influence of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors and highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce health disparities.