A staggering one in two American adults is projected to be obese by 2035, according to a new study published in JAMA. The alarming rate of obesity, which has more than tripled since 1990, threatens to become an even more entrenched public health crisis.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 11 million people and found that just over 19% were considered obese back in 1990, but by 2022 this number had jumped to 42.5%. The projections suggest that by 2035, a staggering 46.9% of the US population will be living with obesity.
This finding is not entirely new, as other studies have reported similar rates of obesity using more nuanced definitions of excess weight. However, the sheer scale of this predicted increase raises concerns about the effectiveness of current public health strategies and the need for urgent action.
The study also found that certain groups are being disproportionately affected, with women under 35 experiencing a significant spike in obesity rates. This "earlier onset of obesity" is a worrying trend, as it suggests that traditional prevention efforts may be falling short.
Experts caution that BMI, the standard definition used to measure obesity, has its limitations and may not accurately capture body composition or muscle mass. The study's authors note that these errors may vary depending on demographic factors.
The new projections come at a time when dietary guidelines have been revised to prioritize protein-rich foods, processed snacks, and high-calorie ingredients. Critics argue that this approach is misguided and may exacerbate the obesity crisis rather than addressing it.
As one researcher noted, "Obesity is currently a major public health threat and we need real solutions now." With nearly half of Americans predicted to be obese by 2035, it's clear that drastic changes are needed to stem this tide.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 11 million people and found that just over 19% were considered obese back in 1990, but by 2022 this number had jumped to 42.5%. The projections suggest that by 2035, a staggering 46.9% of the US population will be living with obesity.
This finding is not entirely new, as other studies have reported similar rates of obesity using more nuanced definitions of excess weight. However, the sheer scale of this predicted increase raises concerns about the effectiveness of current public health strategies and the need for urgent action.
The study also found that certain groups are being disproportionately affected, with women under 35 experiencing a significant spike in obesity rates. This "earlier onset of obesity" is a worrying trend, as it suggests that traditional prevention efforts may be falling short.
Experts caution that BMI, the standard definition used to measure obesity, has its limitations and may not accurately capture body composition or muscle mass. The study's authors note that these errors may vary depending on demographic factors.
The new projections come at a time when dietary guidelines have been revised to prioritize protein-rich foods, processed snacks, and high-calorie ingredients. Critics argue that this approach is misguided and may exacerbate the obesity crisis rather than addressing it.
As one researcher noted, "Obesity is currently a major public health threat and we need real solutions now." With nearly half of Americans predicted to be obese by 2035, it's clear that drastic changes are needed to stem this tide.
The US obesity crisis is getting out of control 
! One in two adults will be obese by 2035? That's just crazy talk 
. It's not like we haven't been warned about the dangers of excess weight before, but it seems like nothing has changed 
. I mean, have we really learned from all those documentaries and public health campaigns? 
. We need to go back to basics and focus on whole, healthy foods that won't clog our arteries or destroy our bodies 
.
. Women under 35 experiencing an early onset of obesity? That's just heartbreaking 
. We need to get creative and find new solutions that address these issues, not just throw more money at the problem 
.
. We need some serious updates to our public health strategies ASAP 
. I mean, prioritizing protein-rich foods and high-calorie ingredients over fruits and veggies? 
That just doesn't seem right to me.
. I'm not a researcher or anything, but it just seems like common sense to me. We can't keep ignoring this issue and expecting everything to magically fix itself 
but honestly I think it's also kinda convenient for big food companies to sell more processed snacks and high-calorie stuff just 'cause people are gonna be obese anyway, you know? like, is it really gonna make a difference if they change the dietary guidelines or not? maybe what we need is not more fancy food options, but actually more access to healthy food in the first place 
. And don't even get me started on how messed up it is that certain groups like young women are getting obese at a younger age 
We need to go back to basics here. What happened to healthy eating and exercise? Have we forgotten that taking care of our bodies is the most important thing?
"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts." 
. I'm not saying we should go back to the Dark Ages or anything, but maybe we need to rethink our approach to food? Like, why are we prioritizing protein-rich foods and snacks over actual whole foods? It just seems like a Band-Aid solution to me. We need real solutions that address the root cause of this problem.
I was reading about how people used to think obesity was just a matter of being "overweight" back in the 90s. But now we know it's so much more than that. 
They're just begging for us to eat more, more, MORE! 
It's like they're trying to make us all fat and lazy.
What we need is some real change. More bike lanes, less traffic congestion, better public transportation... 
We're eating more and more of that stuff every day. It's no wonder we're getting sicker and fatter. 
I guess it's all about finding a balance, right? Eat your veggies, don't overdo the junk food... 