The Blubber

Crucial indicators of physical health have markedly deteriorated since the pre-COVID-19 era, encompassing factors such as obesity, diabetes, and dietary habits. Gallup's classification reveals that an estimated 38.4% of U.S. adults are now considered obese, marking an increase of 6.0 percentage points since 2019 and approaching the record high of 39.9% noted in 2022. Furthermore, a new peak of 13.6% of respondents acknowledge being diagnosed with diabetes by a medical professional, indicating a rise of 1.1 points since 2019.

The latest findings, gathered from August 30 to September 8, 2023, are based on a survey of 5,316 U.S. adults through the web as part of the Gallup Panel—a probability-based panel consisting of around 100,000 adults across all states and the District of Columbia. Unlike certain government estimates, Gallup employs respondents' self-reported height and weight to calculate body mass index (BMI) and determine weight classes. It does not rely on randomized clinical measurements, which typically yield higher obesity estimates. A BMI of 30 or above is classified as obese. Additionally, Gallup does not differentiate between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes but inquires whether respondents have ever been told by a healthcare professional that they have diabetes.

The rise in obesity since 2019 varies by age, with the most substantial increases reported by those aged 45 to 64 and those aged 30 to 44—up by 8.2 and 6.1 points, respectively. Adults under the age of 30 have not witnessed a significant increase.

Conversely, the consumption of fruits and vegetables has declined even further, with 42.0% of respondents indicating that they consumed at least five servings of fruits and vegetables on at least four days in the prior week—a pivotal threshold for wellbeing outcomes. This current rate reflects a decrease of 7.9 points from 49.9% in 2019. The reduction in produce consumption is most pronounced among those aged 45 to 64 and 30 to 44, down by 10.5 and 8.5 points, respectively. Young adults are the sole age group showing no statistically meaningful decline in produce consumption during this period, akin to daily healthy eating.