A recent study published in the JAMA Health Forum has shown that the average BMI of adults in the US may have decreased slightly after years of steady rise. The study, which analyzed data from 16.7 million adults aged 25-75 between 2013 and 2023, found a slight drop in obesity rates in 2023, with an average BMI of 30.21.
Experts say this trend is a hopeful sign that the US is moving in the right direction towards addressing the growing health crisis of obesity. Dr. Andrea Coviello, director of the UNC Weight Management Program, praised the news, stating it’s “great news” that obesity prevalence may be decreasing or plateauing.
However, Coviello also noted that the study’s findings are not without limitations, as it only included data from people actively engaged in healthcare and may have biases due to the mix of insurance claims and electronic health record data. She emphasized the need for a broader population study to capture more accurate trends.
Coviello highlighted the importance of promoting healthier lifestyles, including better nutrition, physical activity, and stress management, as these changes can significantly reduce weight and risk of obesity-related diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
The study also found that states with expanded Medicaid coverage for weight loss medications experienced higher reported BMI reductions. While only 6% of the population used such medications, Coviello noted that this could have a positive impact on weight loss and overall health.
While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of weight loss medication use on obesity rates nationwide, experts like Coviello welcome increased access to these treatments for Medicaid-eligible patients.
Source: https://www.wral.com/news/local/americans-obesity-bmi-drop-2023-study