Trends in Obesity, Overweight, and Attempted Weight Loss Among United States High School Students

In the United States (US), obesity and overweight among adolescents present growing clinical and public health challenges. In this study, we examined trends in obesity, overweight, and attempted weight loss in a national sample of US adolescents.

Data from the 2013 to 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) were used to explore these issues in a large sample of US high school students. Percentages were used as effect measures, and 95% confidence intervals were used to test statistical significance. Overall data are presented, as well as subgroup analyses by sex, race/ethnicity, and grade level.

Between 2013 and 2023, obesity rates increased from 13.7% to 15.9% (P<0.01), with the highest rates among Black and Hispanic/Latino adolescents and the lowest rate among Asian adolescents. In contrast, the percentage of overweight US high school students declined significantly from 16.6% to 14.7% (P<0.01), with a more notable decrease among male adolescents compared to female adolescents. The overall percentage of adolescents engaging in weight loss efforts declined from 47.7% in 2013 to 44.5% in 2023 (P<0.01). Declines were most notable among 10th and 12th graders. Female high school students reported higher rates of weight loss attempts than males.

Data from the YRBS showed significant increases in obesity, declines in overweight, and fewer adolescents trying to lose weight. Although further research is necessary, these findings underscore the need for targeted clinical and public health strategies to reduce rising obesity rates and promote healthy behaviors among US high school students.