The Current State of Health in the United States
As a health and fitness professional, I often get asked: What’s going on with the health of Americans? The landscape of U.S. health has deteriorated in many domains — from environmental quality and mental health to nutrition and physical activity. While each of these deserves attention, one of the most pressing and visible issues today is the rise of overweight and obesity.
How Widespread Are Overweight and Obesity in the U.S.?
Obesity and overweight are now considered widespread public health concerns in the United States. According to the CDC, about 41.9% of U.S. adults (age 20+) were classified as having obesity during 2017–March 2020, with another portion living in the overweight category — meaning most adults are above a “healthy” weight range compared to historical standards.
Additionally, CDC data shows that fewer than one in ten adults or children meet recommended fruit and vegetable intake levels, while only about one in four adults meets physical activity guidelines — both major contributors to weight management challenges.
Simplifying the Problem: Inactivity & Poor Nutrition
Two dominant contributors to this trend are physical inactivity and diet quality.
Physical Inactivity: Only about a quarter of U.S. adults and even fewer young people achieve the minimum recommended levels of physical activity set by public health guidelines.
Poor Nutrition: Most Americans consume high quantities of ultra-processed foods, which are high in calories, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats yet low in fiber and nutrients — a pattern linked to weight gain and chronic diseases. Recent CDC data show that over 50% of total calories in U.S. diets come from ultra-processed foods.
Poor dietary habits are tied to not meeting fruit and vegetable guidelines — in 2019, only about 12% met fruit intake recommendations and just 10% met vegetable intake recommendations.
➡️ The Ultra-Processed Food Problem
Why This Matters: Health & Functional Consequences
Being overweight or living with obesity is linked to an increased risk of many chronic health conditions, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Certain cancers
- Sleep apnea
- Joint problems
These risks are not just theoretical — they’re backed by decades of research tying excess weight to poor metabolic health outcomes.
Obesity’s Far-Reaching Effects: From Civilians to National Security
The implications of widespread overweight and obesity extend beyond individual health. For example, the U.S. military has cited obesity and physical inactivity as significant barriers to recruitment and readiness. A CDC report found only about 40% of young adults (ages 17–24) are both weight-eligible and physically active enough to serve.
In the past, military leaders raised concerns that large percentages of young Americans were ineligible for service largely due to overweight or obesity — signaling how pervasive these health trends have become.
So, What Can Individuals Do?
The challenges are large, but individual action still matters. Here are practical steps based on current public health guidance:
1. Get Moving — Regularly
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, plus strength training.
2. Improve Diet Quality
Shift toward whole foods — especially vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and minimally processed proteins — and reduce ultra-processed food intake.
➡️ Why More High Performers Are Eating Mostly Plant-Based
3. Seek Support and Accountability
Structured programs, professional coaching, or online personal training can provide guidance and motivation to achieve lasting lifestyle improvements.
Remember: Small Changes Add Up
Whether it’s walking more, choosing whole plant foods more often, or just drinking more water, every step toward healthier habits supports long-term well-being.
➡️ Fuel Your Workouts With Plants
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Obesity and overweight statistics in the United States.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Adults meeting fruit and vegetable intake recommendations — United States, 2019.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Physical activity and health statistics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). How much ultra-processed food are people eating in the United States?
Mission: Readiness. (2010). Too fat to fight. In Alliances for Obesity Prevention. National Center for Biotechnology Information.