A study has found out that more than 40 percent of US adults are obese and one out of 10 is severely obese. The findings of the study have been derived from the 2017-2018 survey, where more than 5000 US adults had participated. The study had defined obesity as having a body mass index of greater than or equal to 30. It had classified obesity rates based on race, gender, and age. This study showed that the rate of obesity among adults was 42.5 percent in 2017 and 2018. While the rate of obesity was 40, percent in the 2015-16 study. The new study observed the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination. The study has consisted of physical exams and interviews as well.
The new survey has shown that there has been 44.8 percent of obesity in middle-aged adults in the age group of 40 to 59 years. Around 42.8 percent of adults aged 60 years and above have been obese. While 40 percent of young adults in the age group of 20 to 39 years have turned out to be obese. As per the new findings, the percentage of obesity is highest among middle-aged adults. The prevalence of obesity has been similar among non-Hispanic white and black men. Nearly 44.7 percent of non-Hispanic white men are obese, at the same time, 42.2 percent of non-Hispanic black men are obese. However, only 17 percent of non-Hispanic Asian men are obese, as per the study. The survey shows that women in the age group of 40 to 59 have the highest prevalence of obesity. While 43.3 percent of women who are 60 years or above is considered obese. Nearly 39.7 percent of young women aged 20 to 39 years are overweight, according to the new survey.
Experts have found out that severe obesity as well is increasing among adults. The proportion of individuals suffering from severe obesity has increased from 4.7 percent in 1999 to 9.2 percent in 2017 and 2018. Severe obesity is defined by the body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40. The study has revealed that BMI higher than 40 has been high among women as compared to men. Adults in the age group of 40 to 59 years are at 11.5 percent higher risk of being severely obese. Nearly 9.1 percent of adults in the age group of 20 to 29 years are also at the risk of being severely obese. With 13.8 percent, non-Hispanic black adults have the highest level of severe obesity. While non-Hispanic Asian adults have the lowest risk of severe obesity. Non-Hispanic black people are at 49.6 percent high risk of both obesity and severe obesity, which has been a matter of huge concern for researchers. The new health survey has been supported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.