Racial/Ethnic disparities in prevalence and trends of obesity, grade 3 obesity, and abdominal obesity among US adults, 2003-18

Abstract This cross-sectional study examined the racial/ethnic disparities in prevalence and trends of obesity, grade 3 obesity, and abdominal obesity among US adults between 2003 and 2018. This study utilized the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2018 data. Age-adjusted prevalence of obesity, grade 3 obesity, and abdominal obesity among adults aged ≥20 years, as defined by the CDC cut off were the main outcome of interest. In total, 29712 persons were included in the analysis. Between 2003-2006 and 2015–2018, an increase in the prevalence of obesity, grade 3 obesity, and abdominal obesity was observed. Significant increase in the prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity was observed between 2007-2010 and 2011–2014. Between 2011-2014 and 2015–2018, significant increase was observed in the prevalence of obesity only. In 2015–2018, the Mexican-Americans males had significantly higher prevalence of obesity compared to their non-Hispanic whites and non-Hispanic blacks counterparts. The paradigm of the highest prevalence of abdominal obesity shifted from the non-Hispanic blacks in 2003–2006 to the Mexican-Americans in 2015–2018. Reducing the burden of obesity would be essential to reduce the disparities associated with obesity complications.