MAINTAIN HEALTHY BMI

Unhealthy weight, especially Obesity and being clinically underweight, is a major public health concern. Unhealthy weight is linked to a range of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and shortened life expectancy.

Our data show that from 1999 to 2017, obesity rates steadily increased across all age groups. Throughout the years, Americans aged 75 and older have considerably lower obesity rates compared to other age groups, followed by the youngest Americans (aged 25-34). This suggests a persistent uptick in obesity rates in midlife, with a decline among the oldest old. Americans with a college education have lower rates of obesity compared to Americans with fewer years of education.

Interestingly, between 1999 and 2017 obesity rates rose relatively more among Americans with at least some college education compared to those with no college education. Concerningly, among Americans who have only a high school diploma or have not completed high school, the rise in obesity rates is observed primarily among the youngest age groups.

Historically & across age groups, Black Americans had higher rates of obesity. However, by 2017 rates of obesity among young (25-34 year-olds) Hispanic and White Americans became comparable to their Black American Peers.

Examining changes in the percentage of Americans who are clinically underweight, until 2013 females reported higher rates than males. However, between 2013-2017, there has been little to no evidence of gender differences, attributed to a decline in the percentage of females who are clinically underweight.

These trends point to a confluence of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors affecting obesity rates, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address health disparities.