Trends in Obesity Prevalence Among Adults Aged 18 Through 25 Years, 1976-2018

Emerging adulthood, from ages 18 through 25 years, is a distinct developmental period characterized by exploration and frequent change (eg, from school to work), ultimately leading to the formation of lifelong habits and adult identity. Few studies describe obesity in emerging adults; analyses often group these individuals with adolescents (aged 12-19 years) or young adults (aged 20-39 years), limiting opportunities for developmentally informed intervention and treatment. We examined the changes in obesity prevalence nationally among emerging adults in the US over the last 4 decades.