The cited CDC update indicates a substantial prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults in the period from August 2021 through 2023.
Approximately four in ten adults aged 20 years and older were classified as obese, with a subset reaching a higher severity category. Specifically, about 10% of the adult population fell into the category of severe obesity during this interval.
The information provided does not specify the exact definitions or BMI cutoffs used for obesity and severe obesity in this report, nor does it detail demographic subgroups, methodological notes, or comparison to prior years. As such, uncertainties remain regarding measurement approach, sample representativeness, and year-to-year trends beyond the stated aggregate prevalence.
Clinicians may consider contextualizing these figures within broader epidemiologic patterns of body weight and associated comorbidities, while awaiting more granular data. The source attributes the findings to the CDC and synthesizes them for JAMA’s research-highlight format, but the specifics of the underlying study design, sampling frame, and statistical uncertainty are not provided in the excerpt available.
JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 07 Apr 2026.
The item focuses on CDC Reports Highlight Rise in Obesity During the 21st Century.
Review the original article for the full source wording and details.