JAMA Health Forum

U.S. adult obesity rates decline for the first time in over a decade

December 17, 2024

Study design: This cross-sectional study analyzed national trends in BMI and obesity among 16,743,822 U.S. adults from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2023. Data were sourced from the Optum deidentified Market Clarity Data, including medical and insurance claims and electronic health records.

Results: The study found a decrease in mean population BMI and obesity prevalence in 2023, marking the first decline in over a decade. The most notable reduction was observed in the South, which had the highest per capita dispensing rate of GLP-1RAs (although dispensing doesn't necessarily mean uptake).

Impact on clinical practice: These findings suggest that increased use of GLP-1RAs may significantly impact obesity trends. Further research is needed to explore long-term outcomes and optimize treatment strategies.

Source:

Rader B, et al. (2024, December 13). JAMA Health Forum. Changes in Adult Obesity Trends in the US. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11645646/