US Experiences Exponential Rise in Severe Obesity Cases with BMI Over 60

Over the past two decades, the United States has seen a significant surge in the prevalence of severe obesity, particularly among adults with a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 60. While general obesity rates (BMI of 30 or more) have increased by approximately 30%, the most alarming increase has been in individuals with a BMI over 60, which has skyrocketed by 210%. Researchers from Pennington Biomedical analyzed national health data collected from 2001 to 2023 and found this disproportionate growth, emphasizing the severity and public health implications of extreme obesity.

In a recent surgical letter published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, the team highlighted that BMI levels of 60 or higher, traditionally considered exceedingly rare, have become more common. This category correlates with severe health issues such as impaired mobility, increased healthcare costs, and a higher burden of comorbidities. For context, a person with a BMI of 60 or above typically weighs more than 200 pounds over what is considered normal weight, significantly increasing their health risks.

The study also noted the rising prevalence of BMIs between 50 and 59.9, but the focus remained on the gravity of those with BMIs at or above 60. Patients in this group often face mobility challenges, require assistive devices for walking, and experience frequent hospitalizations for severe health conditions. Notably, the development of GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of medications promising for weight management, has coincided with this increase, but their effectiveness for individuals with extreme obesity remains unproven, as most clinical trials involve participants with lower BMIs.

The increase in extreme obesity cases presents significant challenges to the healthcare system, including equipment limitations that hinder treatment, difficulties with anesthesia and surgeries, and overall increased healthcare costs. With more than 850,000 individuals in the U.S. now classified as extremely obese, there is an urgent need for healthcare providers and policymakers to develop targeted resources and interventions.

This study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), providing robust, direct measurements of weight and height for adults aged 18 and above. The findings underscore the dramatic rise in obesity levels and call for urgent public health strategies to address this escalating crisis.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-disproportionate-body-mass-index.html