Obesity Rates Rising Again among American Adults

According to a recent study, obesity rates are rising again among American adults, despite national efforts to promote healthy lifestyles.

Rates of obesity had been climbing dramatically since the 1980s but started leveling off in about 2004.

This latest study means they are rising again – to nearly 38% in 2013-14, up from about 32% a decade ago.

The numbers come from a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), using a national survey of about 5,000 people.

National campaigns have been aimed at lowering obesity rates in the US, such as Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign, which offers programming for exercise and healthy eating among youths.

The consumption of fizzy drinks has fallen in recent years and fast-food chains now offer healthier menus.

Many companies have introduced things like treadmill desks and incentives to exercise with pedometers and staff-wide contests – but not all have taken a stake in employees’ health.

Obesity prevalence was found to be much higher for adult women than adult men – 38% compared to 34.3%.

Non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black and Hispanic adults and youth are experiencing higher rates of obesity than their white counterparts, the study found.

Between black men and women, there is a significant difference for rates of obesity – women’s rates soar above men’s at 57% compared to 38%.