Prevalence of Clinical Obesity in US Adults, 2017–2020
Authors' conclusion
This study provided the first nationally representative estimates of clinical obesity prevalence in US adults based on the new definition.
Study context
- Population
- US adults aged ≥20 years with complete data, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2020 cycle
- Participants
- 8,037 adults
- Outcome
- Prevalence of clinical obesity (Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission definition)
Methodological detailsnationally representative
- Nationally representative
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Prevalence of clinical obesity
Overall prevalence of clinical obesity
9.7%
95% CI 8.9%–10.5%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevalence of clinical obesity by sex | Males 9.8% · Females 9.6% |
| Prevalence of clinical obesity by age | Aged 20-39 years 11.9% · Aged 40-59 years 8.2% |
| Prevalence of clinical obesity by race/ethnicity and sex | Mexican females 13.9% · Non-Hispanic Black females 13.5% · Non-Hispanic White males 10.6% |
Prevalence of clinical obesity by sex
- Comparable prevalence in males and females
Prevalence of clinical obesity by age
- Highest prevalence in younger adults (aged 20-39 years)
Prevalence of clinical obesity by race/ethnicity and sex
- Significant racial/ethnic and sex disparities; highest prevalence in Mexican females
Prevalence with new definition vs BMI alone
- Prevalence decreased significantly when the new definition with organ dysfunctions or limitations of daily activities was applied vs BMI alone
Original publication
Prevalence of Clinical Obesity in US Adults, 2017–2020. Obesity (Silver Spring). Published 14 July 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →