Prevalence of obesity and related comorbidities in West Texas: a comparison study before and after COVID

Obesity remains a major public health issue in the USA, and West Texas lacks updated regional data, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. This study compared the prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities in adults in West Texas from 2020 to 2022 to a previously published cohort from 2016 to 2018.

A retrospective cross-sectional study used deidentified patient data from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Internal Medicine Clinic. Adults aged 18 to 89 with at least two visits between 2020 and 2022 were included. Body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) categories were defined as normal (18.5-24.9), overweight (25-29.9), and obese (≥30). Logistic regression evaluated associations between BMI and comorbid conditions, adjusted for age, sex, and race. Results were compared to the 2016 to 2018 cohort.

Of the 3595 patients included, 51% were obese, 30% were overweight, and 19% had normal BMI. Compared to 2016 to 2018, obesity prevalence increased (51% vs 46.6%). The prevalence of hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea increased across all BMI groups. Diabetes prevalence decreased in the obese group (51.2% to 47%) and remained stable in others. Hyperlipidemia decreased in the obese category (60.3% to 48%) but increased in the normal BMI category. Coronary artery disease prevalence decreased in overweight and obese groups. COVID-19 was significantly more prevalent among overweight and obese patients.

Obesity prevalence and several key comorbidities, including hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and COVID-19, increased in West Texas during the 2020 to 2022 period. Although diabetes and hyperlipidemia declined among individuals with obesity, the overall burden of obesity remains substantial. These findings highlight the need for continued monitoring and targeted strategies to address chronic disease risk in this population.