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- Temporal Trends of the Obesity Epidemic in the United States
- Zhen Zhang, Lei Zhang, Marinelle Payton
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2026;59(3):219-224. Published online March 27, 2026
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.25.973
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Abstract
Summary
PDF - Objectives
Obesity has emerged as a major public health concern in the United States, with prevalence increasing steadily over the past 4 decades. This mini-review summarizes recent trends and subgroup disparities using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and related publications.
Methods
Data from NHANES cycles conducted between 1988 and 2023 were reviewed to examine temporal trends in adult obesity prevalence, with particular attention to differences by age, sex, race, and interactions between sex and age as well as sex and race.
Results
The prevalence of adult obesity increased from approximately 15% in the late 1970s to 42.4% in 2017–2018. For the first time in nearly 3 decades, consecutive declines were observed, with prevalence falling to 40.3% in 2021–2023. Disparities persist: middle-aged adults and non-Hispanic Black females continue to experience the highest prevalence of obesity, whereas non-Hispanic Asian populations consistently exhibit the lowest rates.
Conclusions
Recent declines may indicate progress in obesity control; however, targeted and equity-focused interventions remain essential to sustain improvements and reduce persistent disparities. -
SummaryKey Message
• Recent NHANES data suggest that U.S. adult obesity prevalence may be entering a period of stabilization or modest decline after decades of continuous increase. • Significant disparities persist, particularly among middle-aged women and non-Hispanic Black women, who continue to bear the highest obesity burden. • Tailored prevention and intervention strategies are needed to sustain recent progress and reduce obesity-related health inequities.
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