February 22, 2024- America’s busy lifestyles, food and diet habits, and societal influences are leading to poor health outcomes. As a result, obesity has become an increasing concern throughout the United States. Case in point: the prevalence of adult obesity in 22 states rose above 35% of their respective populations in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Yet, ten years ago, there weren’t any states that had an adult obesity prevalence above 35%.
The impacts of obesity are costly for the American healthcare system. Health conditions associated with obesity include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer, according to the CDC. These conditions, when associated with obesity, require patients to seek healthcare for preventable chronic disease. The estimated annual medical cost of obesity, according to the CDC in 2019, was nearly $173 billion.
The dramatic increase in the prevalence of obesity within the last 10 years is a result of a variety of factors, including national mental health issues, changes in the American lifestyle, diet culture, socioeconomic status, and more. A 2023 study conducted by Batash Endoscopic Wellness, titled “Beyond the Scale: Insights Into Weight Loss Trends and Challenges,” explored the causes of the obesity crisis in the U.S. by surveying 1,000 U.S. adults who identify as overweight.
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