In a surprising turn of events, recent research shows that obesity rates among adults in the US decreased in 2023 after more than a decade of continuous increase. The study, which analyzed data from over 47 million body mass index measurements of 16 million adults, suggests that this decline may be attributed to the increased use of weight-loss medications and behavioral changes prompted by the pandemic.
Published in JAMA Health Forum | Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
A team of researchers from Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School studied the national trends in body mass index (BMI) and obesity rates from 2013 to 2023. Their findings indicate that after years of steady growth, obesity rates leveled off in 2022 and slightly decreased in 2023, marking a potential shift in the country’s obesity crisis.
The study highlights significant reductions in obesity rates among specific demographics and regions. The South, where the use of weight-loss medications was highest, saw the most substantial decline. Additionally, adults aged 66 to 75 years and women showed notable decreases in obesity rates.
The lead researcher, Dr. Benjamin Rader from Boston Children’s Hospital’s Computational Epidemiology Lab, and his team analyzed data from the Optum deidentified Market Clarity Data system, which includes medical claims and electronic health records. Their analysis revealed a consistent increase in the mean population BMI from 2013 to 2021, a plateau in 2022 at 30.24, and a slight decrease to 30.21 in 2023.
One interesting aspect of the findings is the variation in the use of GLP-1RA medications (such as semaglutide) across different regions. The South had the highest rate, with 6.0% of patients receiving these medications, compared to 3.4% in the West. However, the researchers caution that medication dispensing rates may not accurately reflect actual usage patterns.
Glossary
- BMI (Body Mass Index)
- A measure calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared, used to categorize body weight status.
- GLP-1RA
- Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist – a class of medications used for weight loss and diabetes management.
- Obesity
- A medical condition defined as having a BMI of 30 or greater.
Test Your Knowledge
When did US obesity rates first show a decline in this study?
The first decline was observed in 2023, after plateauing in 2022.
What was the average BMI measurement in 2023?
The mean population BMI in 2023 was 30.21.
Which region showed both the highest GLP-1RA medication use and the most significant decrease in obesity rates?
The South showed both the highest GLP-1RA dispensing rate (6.0%) and the most notable decrease in obesity rates.
What are the key limitations of this study that could affect interpretation of the results?
The study is limited by possible selection bias, as BMI recorded during medical visits may have skewed estimates. Additionally, medication dispensing rates don’t necessarily reflect actual usage, and the South’s results may have been influenced by disproportionately high COVID-19 mortality among individuals with obesity.
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