Key Points:
- Decrease in Mean BMI: Between 2022 and 2023, the mean BMI for the U.S. population saw a slight decline, marking a shift after nearly a decade of consistent increases.
- Obesity Trends: The prevalence of obesity in the U.S. dropped in 2023 for the first time since 2013, according to a cross-sectional study published in JAMA Health Forum.
- Regional Insights: The South experienced the most notable decline in obesity rates, aligning with higher rates of GLP-1 receptor agonist dispensing.
- Historical Context: Obesity prevalence in the U.S. had more than doubled from 1990 to 2021, with 23 states reporting adult obesity rates of 35% or higher in 2022.
Study Findings
The study analyzed data from over 16.7 million adults (51.3% women) who contributed nearly 48 million BMI measurements between January and December 2023. Results showed:
- A steady annual rise in mean BMI from 2013 (29.65 kg/m²) to 2021 (30.23 kg/m²).
- A plateau at 30.24 kg/m² in 2022, followed by a slight decrease to 30.21 kg/m² in 2023.
- A similar pattern in obesity prevalence, with declines observed among Southern residents, individuals aged 66–75, and women.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Dispensing
GLP-1 receptor agonists, which have been effective for individual weight loss, saw varying dispensing rates in 2023 among insured adults:
- 6% in the South
- 5.1% in the Midwest
- 4.4% in the Northeast
- 3.4% in the West
Researchers noted that dispensing rates do not equate to usage and highlighted the disproportionately high COVID-19 mortality rates among obese individuals in the South.
Broader Implications
Although BMI and obesity are imperfect measures of adiposity, these trends suggest encouraging changes. The study’s authors emphasized the need for future research to explore alternative body composition metrics and factors driving these shifts, such as GLP-1 proliferation and pandemic-related behavioral changes.
Limitations
The study acknowledged potential selection bias and the impact of BMI measurement timing during medical visits. Some demographic groups, including Asian populations, still experienced rising obesity rates.
Conclusion
While the findings hint at a connection between GLP-1 receptor agonists and the observed trends, further research is necessary to confirm this link. “This is an encouraging development, but significant work remains,” said study co-author Benjamin Rader, PhD, MPH.
