Severe Obesity Rates Increasing in U.S.

Severe obesity rates increased since 2001 among adolescents and in rural populations, according to a study published in JAMA. Researchers compared height and weight data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys among various demographics, including age, race, sex, and rural and urban locations. Severe obesity rates tripled for rural adults and increased by 29 percent among youth in those areas. Results showed disproportionately high rates for severe obesity among Hispanic and African American youth, increasing their risk for hypertension and other cardiovascular disease risk factors. These results highlight health disparities based on race and urbanization.