The United States is facing an alarming obesity crisis, with experts predicting that nearly 260 million Americans will be overweight or obese by 2050.
Over the past 30 years, obesity rates have doubled for adults and older adolescents, with over 208 million people classified as overweight or obese in 2021.
If these trends continue, the problem will worsen, according to a major study published in The Lancet.
The study, led by researchers from the Global Burden of Disease Study Collaborator Network, reveals troubling statistics.
By 2050, over 213 million adults and 43.1 million children and adolescents in the U.S. are expected to be overweight or obese.
This includes an additional 41.4 million adults and 6.74 million young people compared to 2021.
In 2021, almost three-quarters of U.S. adults (172 million) were overweight or obese. Obesity rates among adults have risen rapidly since 1990, doubling for both men and women.
By 2050, nearly 82% of men and women will be overweight or obese, with obesity increasing at a faster rate than overweight.
Southern states are expected to see the highest levels, with Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas leading the way.
The trend is also severe among adolescents. Obesity rates for older teens more than doubled between 1990 and 2021.
By 2050, one in three adolescents is expected to be obese. The crisis is particularly acute in states like Mississippi and Oklahoma, where obesity levels for older adolescents are predicted to exceed 50%.
Obesity leads to serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and mental health problems. These issues are now appearing earlier in life, putting younger generations at risk of premature death. Rising obesity rates also mean skyrocketing healthcare costs and economic burdens.
“Our analysis shows the devastating consequences of decades of inaction,” said Professor Emmanuela Gakidou from the University of Washington. “The number of overweight and obese children and adolescents will continue to rise, along with cases of childhood hypertension and type 2 diabetes.”
The study emphasizes that simply focusing on individual lifestyle changes like diet and exercise is not enough. Structural problems—such as food deserts, unhealthy food marketing, and socioeconomic inequalities—must be addressed. The researchers call for a comprehensive strategy, involving governments, schools, and communities.
Key suggestions include:
- Investing in prevention: Programs to promote healthy eating, regulate junk food marketing, and ensure all children have access to nutritious school meals.
- Improving physical activity: Building safe, walkable neighborhoods to encourage exercise.
- Supporting families: Starting interventions during pregnancy and infancy to prevent obesity from being passed across generations.
The authors also highlight the role of new anti-obesity medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists. While promising, these treatments alone cannot solve the crisis due to high costs and potential side effects. Prevention remains the most effective strategy.
“The obesity epidemic has reached unprecedented levels,” said Professor Marie Ng. “We need a united effort to reshape food systems, reduce health inequalities, and focus on prevention.”
Experts hope this report will inspire immediate action to reverse the obesity trend and create a healthier future for all Americans.
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