Obesity Rates in U.S. Adults
A new study reveals that approximately 70% of U.S. adults have obesity, according to updated criteria.
Research from Mass General Brigham applied the new obesity criteria from The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology Commission, which considers additional body measurements such as waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio.
The new definition gives a more complete picture of someone’s health risks.
Traditionally, obesity was measured using the body mass index (BMI), but this method has been criticized for not differentiating between fat and muscle and not accounting for fat distribution.
- The updated criteria increase the number of adults classified as obese from 40% to nearly 70%.
- The findings were published in JAMA Network Open and raise urgent questions about public health priorities.
Author's summary: New obesity criteria increase US obesity rates to 70%.