The rising tide of obesity: A national health crisis unfolding before our eyes
By willowt // 2025-09-22
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  • Obesity prevalence in the U.S. has skyrocketed, with more than 40% of adults now classified as obese.
  • The shift in American body shape over three generations has been profound, influenced by changes in diet and physical activity.
  • Environmental factors, including processed foods and sedentary lifestyles, have exacerbated obesity rates.
  • The cultural narrative increasingly normalizes obese physiology, using terms like "body positivity" to gloss over medical risks.
  • Urgent policy changes are needed to address underlying causes and promote healthier lifestyles across the nation.
Obesity is no longer the exception but the norm. Less than three generations ago, the average American weighed significantly less, and the physiological changes we see today would have been considered highly unusual. Walk into any American airport now, and the majority of travelers you see might not fit the standards of health and vitality once held as cultural ideals. The average American man weighs 191 pounds, while the average woman weighs 164 pounds—upward shifts from 166 pounds and 140 pounds, respectively, in 1960. Height has increased, but not nearly enough to offset the dramatic weight gains. This shift is not merely cosmetic; it carries profound implications for public health and economic stability.

The costs of comfort: Financial and health burden of obesity

As the American body has grown, so too have the costs associated with obesity. Annual medical expenditures attributable to obesity are estimated at $173 billion in the United States, with each adult with obesity generating nearly $1,900 more in health costs per year than their normal-weight peers. These figures underscore a staggering human cost beyond medical expenses—shortened lifespans, lost productivity and rising rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The alarming trend is not just an individual health issue but a national crisis, affecting families, economies and communities.

The architect of obesity: How our environment led us here

The roots of the obesity epidemic stem from environmental changes that have shifted the American diet and lifestyle. Between 1970 and 2010, per capita daily caloric availability in the U.S. increased by more than 20%, driven by the rise of processed, shelf-stable, calorie-dense foods. Portion sizes have expanded dramatically, and studies consistently show that larger portions lead to greater intake. Meanwhile, physical activity has declined as manufacturing and agriculture jobs gave way to service industries and sedentary office work. The shift from home-cooked meals to ultra-processed foods has further contributed to the problem. These changes have not only altered our waistlines but also recalibrated the concept of normalcy.

The cultural trap: Body positivity vs. biological reality

The cultural narrative has adapted its definition of "normal" to accommodate the growing prevalence of obesity. Retailers now tout larger mannequins and clothing sizes as signs of "representation" and "inclusivity." While these efforts may address consumer demand and individual dignity, they also blur the line between normalcy and disease. "Health at every size" is a well-intentioned but sometimes misleading slogan that can be dangerously misinterpreted. Excess adipose tissue is not neutral, and it is associated with increased risks of diabetes, hypertension, liver disease and several cancers. The medical reality is unavoidable: obesity is a disease state, and pretending otherwise is not kindness—it is cultural anesthesia.

Rallying for a healthier future

The journey to a healthier America requires navigating a balance between respect and truth. Individuals must be treated with dignity, but the epidemic must be addressed with honesty. The environment should be recalibrated to promote healthier food choices and greater physical activity. Portion sizes need to return to sanity, and public institutions should prioritize nutritional standards over ultra-processed foods. Employers and insurers should reward healthy behaviors, rather than simply absorbing the costs of disease. Health interventions should focus on diet, exercise and environmental changes, not lifelong pharmacological management.

Culmination of truth: Building a healthier tomorrow

The America of 1960 was metabolically healthier because the environment supported better health outcomes, not because our grandparents had better genes. We cannot revert to the past, but we can build a future where health is once again ordinary. By telling the truth and acting on that truth, we can construct an America where obesity is no longer the norm. It is a challenge, but it is a challenge we must meet if we are to foster a healthier generation. Sources for this article include: Brownstone.org PubMed.com NEJM.org PubMed.com TheAtlantic.com Medium.com
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