A Staggering Number of Americans Are Now Considered Obese Under New Definition

The recent revision of obesity diagnostic criteria has revealed that a significantly higher number of Americans are now considered obese. The new guidelines, released in 2023, have lowered the body mass index (BMI) threshold for obesity, resulting in a larger portion of the population being classified as such. According to the research, the number of adults considered obese could increase by as much as 24%, reaching nearly half the adult population. This change in the obesity definition has significant implications for public health, as it highlights the growing prevalence of this condition and the need for comprehensive strategies to address the issue. The article emphasizes the importance of these new findings, as they provide a more accurate representation of the obesity crisis in the United States. Healthcare professionals and policymakers will need to adapt their approaches to effectively tackle the rising rates of obesity and its associated health risks.