Did you know that American obesity rates have tripled from 1987 to 2023?
That’s right, from 10% to 30% of adults!
But why? What changed in the last 36 years?
Here are six factors that explain this alarming trend:
Factor #1: Food environment
Americans are increasingly surrounded by cheap, convenient, and highly processed foods that are high in calories, sugar, fat, and salt.
These foods stimulate appetite and override satiety signals.
The data is alarming:
• The number of fast-food restaurants in the US increased 48% from 1987 to 2020.
• The availability of ultra-processed foods increased by 25% from 1990 to 2018.
• The average American consumed 152 pounds of added sugar per year in 2020, up from 123 pounds in 1987.
Factor #2: Portion sizes
The average portion size of many foods and drinks has increased by more than 50% since 1987.
This means Americans are consuming more calories than they need without realizing it.
For example, a typical bagel in 1987 was 3 inches in diameter and had 140 calories.
Today, a typical bagel is 6 inches in diameter and has 350 calories
Factor #3: Physical activity
Americans are moving less than ever before.
The average American spends 10 hours a day sitting!
That’s bad for our health, our muscles, our bones, and our metabolism.
We burn fewer calories and store more fat.
Physical activity helps burn calories, boost metabolism, & regulate hormones that affect weight.
But Americans face a lack of time, access, or motivation.
The percentage of adults who meet the recommended physical activity guidelines decreased from 53% in 1988 to 23% in 2020.
Factor #4: Sleep deprivation
The average American sleeps 6 hours a night, down from 8 hours in 1987!
That’s bad for our brain, our mood, our immune system, and our hormones.
We crave more food and make worse choices.
Factor #5: Stress
The average American reports 16% higher stress levels than in 1987!
Work, family, finances, health, politics, social media… you name it.
Stress triggers cortisol, which increases appetite and fat storage.
The data is alarming:
• According to a Gallup poll, Americans reported feeling stress on 55% of their days in 2018, up from 38% in 1987.
• The same poll found that Americans reported feeling worry on 45% of their days in 2018, up from 28% in 1987.
That’s bad for our mental and physical health.
Factor #6: Medications
The average American takes 4 prescriptions a day, up from 2 prescriptions in 1987!
That’s bad for our liver, our kidneys, and our weight.
Some medications can cause weight gain by increasing appetite, slowing metabolism, or altering hormones.
Sources:
1: bu.edu/articles/2019/fast-food-expansion/
2: heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/portion-size-versus-serving-size
3: statista.com/statistics/207436/overweight-and-obesity-rates-for-adults-by-ethnicity/
4: nytimes.com/2019/04/25/us/americans-stressful.html
5: tfah.org/report-details/state-of-obesity-2020/
6: cdc.gov/obesity/data/index.html
7: apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/
So there you have it. Six factors that explain why American obesity rates have tripled from 1987 to 2023:
1. Food Environment
2. Portion Sizes
3. Physical Activity
4. Sleep Deprivation
5. Stress
6. Medications