Obesity rates in US not growing for first time in a decade, but severe obesity on the rise: CDC

The general rate of obesity among adults in the United States has stagnated, but the rate of severe obesity has increased, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A report compiled by the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics found that between August 2021 and August 2023, the rate of obesity among the nation's adults was approximately 40.3%. 

In 2020, the rate of obesity among adults was 41.9%.

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The small decline in the obesity rate is too small to be considered a reversal of the nationwide epidemic, but it does mark a distinct break from past years.

Since 2011, CDC reports have showed a consistently growing portion of U.S. adults struggling with obesity.

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Additionally, the rate of severe obesity continues to increase despite general obesity rates slowing down.

Regardless of the direction the obesity crisis is trending, the rate remains far too high, according to the CDC.

"From 2013–2014 through August 2021–August 2023, the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity in adults did not change significantly, while the age-adjusted prevalence of severe obesity increased from 7.7% to 9.7%," the CDC reported.

Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher are considered obese. Individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher are considered severely obese.

"The prevalence of severe obesity in men (6.7%) was lower than in women (12.1%) overall and for each age group," the CDC found. "Among men, the prevalence was highest in those ages 40–59. Among women, the prevalence was higher in those ages 20–39 and 40–59 than in those age 60 and older."

One of the long-term goals of the CDC's national "Healthy People 2030" plan is "helping people eat healthy and get enough physical activity to reach and maintain a healthy weight."

"Healthy People 2030" aims at reducing the rate of obesity to below 38.6% by 2030 but has noted the problem is only "getting worse."

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Green tea for fueling weight loss? Experts reveal the skinny truth

Millions of Americans are using prescription drugs like Ozempic in an effort to lose weight. 

These medications, however, could pose some health concerns, and they're often costly — also, in some parts of the U.S., patients are experiencing shortages. 

Recently, social media posts have been buzzing about green tea as a way to shed pounds without the medication or high costs.

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So should you try green tea as a way to trim your waistline?

Fox News Digital reached out to experts about the beverage's weight-loss potential.

Here are five key questions they answered.

Scientific findings from studies examining green tea extract in energy drinks and weight-loss supplements are mixed at best, according to Cleveland Clinic.

"There’s some speculation that catechins (natural polyphenolic phytochemicals found in food and medicinal plants) in green tea can break down body fat and may rev up your metabolism, contributing to weight loss," the same source noted.

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In addition, research has found that "green tea can help manage your appetite and blood sugar levels," which may lead to better weight management if used on a regular basis, Cleveland Clinic indicated. 

Kelli Metzger, a registered dietitian at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C., said that green tea contains caffeine, which can also aid in weight loss. 

"Green tea contains caffeine and epigallocatechingallate (EGCG), which can help boost metabolism and break down fat cells," Metzger told Fox News Digital.

EGCG is the most abundant catechin in green tea, per Healthline.

In studies, EGCG has been found to help lower blood pressure, LDL ("bad") cholesterol and inflammatory markers for heart disease, said Metzger. 

"It may also enhance insulin sensitivity, helping to reduce the risk of diabetes," she added. 

Although this information is promising, Metzger emphasized that it's vital to discuss this with a health care provider.

"The EGCG may interfere with absorption of some cholesterol-lowering or antipsychotic medications, so it is best to consult a physician before adding large amounts of green tea or EGCG supplements to your daily intake," she advised.

One cup of green tea contains about 50 to 100 milligrams of EGCG, Metzger noted, while most experts suggest consuming no more than 338 milligrams per day."

Consuming 800 milligrams or more of EGCG per day could lead to liver damage, she warned.

Since green tea contains caffeine, those who drink it or take supplements with green tea extract should be aware of the effects of the drug, experts say.

A cup of green tea contains roughly 29 milligrams of caffeine, compared to 95 milligrams in a cup of coffee. 

"Up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is considered safe for most people," Metzger said. 

"Overall, adding green tea to your diet, especially if it replaces juices or sodas, is a good choice," she told Fox News Digital. 

Those who are sipping multiple cups of green tea throughout the day in hopes of shedding pounds, however, should keep a tally of caffeine totals, the expert advised.

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It's also important to be aware of your sensitivity to caffeine.

For some people, the drug may cause anxiety, jitters, restlessness, headaches, increased heart rate and/or difficulty sleeping, Metzger cautioned.

The better choice is to drink green tea rather than take the extract in supplements, according to some experts.

"Any time you want a nutrient to have the optimal effect, it’s best to eat or drink it when possible," LaTasha Perkins, M.D., a family physician at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., told Fox News Digital. 

"This is because your body knows what to do with foods and drinks, and can break them down and absorb the nutrients more easily and effectively."

if you decide to use the extract in supplement form, aim for no more than 338 mg EGCG per day, Metzger recommended. 

Incorporating green tea could possibly help you lose weight, but it’s best as part of a bigger game plan, experts say. 

"It can be effective in combination with other lifestyle adjustments for weight loss, such as making healthy choices in your diet while also drinking green tea," said Perkins. 

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Green tea can also help to stimulate digestion, she noted. 

"The stimulation of digestion is how green tea aids the body in metabolizing, because it helps the body’s GI (gastrointestinal) system."

To change your body long-term, it's best to incorporate consistent habits that become part of a healthier lifestyle, experts say.

"There’s no quick fix when it comes to weight loss and maintaining a healthy way of living — these habits must be maintained over time," Perkins said.

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The best thing you can do is make a conscious decision to eat better, she noted.

"Think of food as medicine," the doctor advised.

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Good hydration and exercise are also essential when working toward a weight-loss goal.

Added Perkins, "Balance is key, but nutrition is a good first step to focus on."

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Amid growing UK health care crisis, nearly 8 million patients are waiting for care, data shows

Experts are warning of a growing health care crisis in England, as millions of U.K. residents are waiting for medical attention.

As of July 2024, 7.62 million patients were on the waiting list for care, with 6.39 million in need of specific medical treatment, according to the latest Referral to Treatment (RTT) data from the National Health Service (NHS), England’s publicly funded health care system.

The average wait time for treatment is 14 weeks, but more than three million patients have been waiting for over 18 weeks — and it’s been more than a year for nearly 300,000 of them.

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Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, appeared on "Fox & Friends" to share his concerns about the situation.

"This is a huge warning for us," he said. 

"The National Health Service, which started in 1948 with the great idea to take care of everyone in England, is broken," he went on.

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"We’re talking about nearly eight million people there who are waiting for health care … many more than 18 weeks. How could you wait 18 weeks if you’re having a heart problem or you have an infection?"

Although the problem is not as extreme in the U.S., Siegel warned that it can be a struggle to get timely care stateside.

"Even here … 26% of the people in the U.S. are waiting more than two months for their health care already," he told Fox News. 

"Even people who are getting it from their employers are waiting."

As far as what is causing the delay in care, Siegel said, "The first problem is that Kamala Harris and others are talking about coverage all the time — but coverage doesn’t mean care."

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"You’ve got your coverage, you’ve got your insurance, maybe you’ve got public insurance — almost 50% of the U.S. already has Medicare or Medicaid — but do you have a doctor? Do you have access to the care you need? That’s the question, and that’s [being] obscured."

Siegel added, "We’re heading toward a time of personalized solutions, which are very exciting, but they’re expensive."

The doctor also discussed the potential problem of illegal immigrants using medical services, which could delay American citizens from seeing their doctors.

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"Illegal migrants homeless on the streets, with illnesses that are spreading, flooding the emergency rooms — that’s going to be a greater and greater problem, whether you give them health insurance or not," Siegel said. 

"But if you give them health insurance, that breaks the bank."

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Nasal spray flu vaccine gets FDA approval for home use: ‘A good alternative’

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved FluMist — the nasal spray flu vaccine — for home use by a patient or adult caregiver, the agency announced.

FluMist has been in use for a couple of decades, but this is the first time a vaccine for influenza has been approved for self-administration without a health care provider. 

"Today’s approval of the first influenza vaccine for self- or caregiver-administration provides a new option for receiving a safe and effective seasonal influenza vaccine, potentially with greater convenience, flexibility and accessibility for individuals and families," said Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, in the Sept. 20 announcement. 

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The home version of FluMist will be available starting next year, according to Fox News medical contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier.

Saphier appeared on "Fox and Friends" to discuss how the home version of FluMist will make it easier for people to get the vaccine.

"A lot of people don’t get the flu shot because of the logistics of going to the doctor’s office or the pharmacy, or because of severe needle phobia," she said. 

"This is a good alternative for those people — especially because over the last two decades, [FluMist] has shown just about the same efficacy as the traditional vaccines."

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Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, stated that the FluMist vaccine is "particularly useful" in children who may have needle phobias. 

"I am glad it is being made available over the counter beginning next year," he told Fox News Digital. 

"It can help to overcome vaccine non-compliance."

It is still important for doctors to be "kept in the loop," Siegel added.

"It is a live virus vaccine, and so it should not be given to those who are immunocompromised or to pregnant women."

FluMist is approved to protect against influenza virus subtypes A and B in people 2 through 49 years of age, according to the FDA’s website. 

It was first approved in 2003 for people ages 5 through 49, and was extended to include children ages 2 through 5 in 2007.

The most common side effects of FluMist include fever in children between 2 and 6, runny nose and nasal congestion in people aged 2 through 49, and sore throat in adults aged 18 through 49, the FDA noted.

A prescription will be required to obtain the home version of FluMist, which will be shipped directly from a third-party online pharmacy to eligible patients, the FDA stated.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older is advised to get vaccinated against influenza.

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Last year’s vaccine had an efficacy of a little less than 50% in terms of keeping people out of the doctor’s office and the hospital, according to Saphier.

"Does that mean that everyone needs to go get one? That’s really up to the individual," she said, adding that people should talk to their doctor, especially if they are high-risk.

In the FDA’s announcement, Marks stated that getting annual vaccinations is the best way to prevent influenza, "which causes illness in a substantial proportion of the U.S. population every year and may result in serious complications, including hospitalization and death." 

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Each year between 2010 and 2023, the flu caused between 9.3 million and 41 million illnesses, 100,000 to 710,000 hospitalizations, and 4,900 to 51,000 deaths, according to the CDC.

Fox News Digital reached out to AstraZeneca, manufacturer of FluMist, requesting comment.

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Testosterone therapy could help boost women's sex drive as they age, but risks exist, experts say

Celebrities' use of testosterone to boost their sex drive could lead more women to try hormone replacement therapy (HRT), experts say.

Actress Kate Winslet recently revealed in an appearance on the "How to Fail" podcast with Elizabeth Day that a dip in libido could mean an imbalance in testosterone levels.

"A lot of people don’t know this, but women have testosterone in their body; when it runs out, like eggs, it’s gone," the "Titanic" actress, 48, told a listener. 

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"So, once it’s gone, you have to replace it, and that is something that can be done, and you’ll feel sexy again," Winslet said. 

"I know," she added, without offering additional details. 

Hormone expert Dan Holtz, co-founder of the Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center, echoed that HRT is used to "optimize hormone levels in men and women as they go through life."

"Benefits may include better sleep, improved energy, less anxiety [and] improved metabolic rate," he said in a response sent to Fox News Digital.

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Holtz has worked with numerous celebrities to optimize their hormone levels. He confirmed that many women and men have reported a "noticeable improvement in libido after optimizing testosterone."

Some women have also reported an improvement in libido when correcting a deficiency in DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a hormone the body produces in the adrenal gland, according to the expert.

HRT is often referred to as menopause hormone therapy (MHT), a medical treatment to relieve menopause symptoms, according to women’s health and menopause expert Dr. Mary Claire Haver of Friendswood, Texas.

"As we approach menopause, the natural decline in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, muscle and joint pain, brain fog, vaginal dryness and low libido," she told Fox News Digital. 

"For many women, these symptoms can severely affect their quality of life."

Hormone therapy works by replenishing the estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels that the body is no longer producing in sufficient amounts, Haver noted.

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"The goal is to alleviate symptoms by restoring health-promoting hormone levels, but MHT also has additional benefits, like maintaining bone density, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis – a concern for postmenopausal women," she added.

While women have much lower levels of testosterone compared to men, the hormone is "crucial" to maintaining libido and sexual function in females, according to Haver — in addition to boosting energy and mood.

When testosterone levels decline — which occurs as women grow older and approach menopause — a decrease in sexual desire, arousal and satisfaction can result, the expert said.

That's because the hormone acts on a key region of the brain involved in regulating sexual behavior, she added.

Studies have shown that for some women, boosting testosterone levels can lead to "noticeable improvements" in sexual health, Haver said.

"By increasing testosterone levels, these brain centers become more responsive to sexual stimuli, which can lead to an increase in libido," she said.

Haver encouraged women who are experiencing low libido to consider testosterone therapy as part of a "broader treatment plan."

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"The goal is to restore levels to the normal physiological range for women, improving sexual desire without pushing the body into a ‘male’ hormone profile," she told Fox News Digital.

Mayo Clinic confirmed that testosterone therapy may boost sex drive for some women after menopause, but noted that there is limited research on its safety and long-term effectiveness.

It has also been shown to cause some side effects.

"Most often, other treatments are tried before testosterone," the clinic stated on its website. 

"These include low doses of the hormone estrogen, and a type of counseling called sex therapy. Some depression medicines also may boost sex drive."

HRT is "not a one-size-fits-all solution," and there are potential risks if it’s done inappropriately, Haver warned.

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"Studies have shown that estrogen-containing hormone therapy can increase the risk of certain conditions, such as blood clots and stroke," the doctor said. 

"Testosterone therapy can also increase the risk of unwanted hair growth, deepening of the voice and acne."

Those risks can vary based on factors like the type of hormones used, the dosage, the delivery method and how long it's administered, according to Haver.

"Every woman's situation is unique, and we need to balance the potential benefits against the risks, with the proper dosage, formulations and delivery system."

Haver recommends MHT for women who are within 10 years of menopause onset and are under 60 years old — "particularly for those suffering from moderate to severe symptoms." 

Some women can feel "dismissed or not fully supported" when discussing sexual health concerns with medical providers, Haver noted.

"Sexual function in women can be influenced by hormones, neurotransmitters, mental health, relationship dynamics and even chronic medical conditions," she said.

Effective treatment addresses these root causes rather than just offering "superficial fixes," she said.

"Women need to know that low libido is a legitimate medical concern, not just something they have to 'push through.'"

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For those interested in HRT, Holtz suggested finding a well-established and reputable company or provider with a track record of success.

Haver added that it’s essential for women to have a thorough discussion with their medical provider to assess their specific health needs and determine the best treatment plan.

Fox News Digital’s Caroline Thayer contributed to this report.

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Terminally ill Missouri woman, 79, taking trip to Switzerland for assisted suicide

A terminally ill Missouri woman is planning to go to Switzerland to end her own life in a physician-assisted death while she is still physically capable of making the trip.

Gayle Hendrix, a 79-year-old mother of two from Cape Girardeau, was diagnosed with lupus and interstitial lung disease four years ago and says her lung capacity continues to worsen.

"I’ve had a great life, and I want to have some dignity when I’m going to the next phase," she told 12 KFVS.

After her diagnosis, she says her shortness of breath continued to become worse and was breathing heavily even on flat surfaces.

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"My friends will say, 'But you don’t look or sound or act like somebody who is near death.' But I am dying, and that's what I want to control," she said. 

"I don't want to get to the point of, 'This is existing, not living,'" Hendrix continued. 

Hendrix must use an oxygen machine and can only walk short distances.

She had lived an active lifestyle before her diagnosis, which included traveling a lot for work, hiking and riding a bicycle.

"She was always busy, always … She always either had three jobs or she was going somewhere, like to concerts or festivals," her daughter, Charlene Foeste, told the news station.

Hendrix, who is originally from North Carolina, is now a retiree after having had a career in human resources. She also lived in other locations during her career before returning to Missouri.

"I would love to say I was a poet, a painter and a musician ... I have nothing in that arena," Hendrix said with a laugh. "So, I think that's why I took up walking because I can walk. I was an avid walker, anywhere from three to five miles a day ... every day up until about three years ago."

Following her retirement, Hendrix grew bored and went back to work during the pandemic as a contact tracer. She recently retired again, as she prepares for her next chapter.

"It is going to be hard, but I know that, and I know sort of what to expect and what the end result is going to be for sure," Foeste said.

Hendrix and Foeste will board an airplane this week for a flight to Switzerland where Hendrix will end her life on Sept. 26 through assisted suicide.

"When I started seeing more and more decline, like monthly, I can tell this is not as good as it was last month. I knew then if I wanted to do it when I’m still able to walk in and still make the trip, then I need to do it soon," Hendrix said.

Physician-assisted death is legal in the U.S. in ten states and Washington, D.C. All but two of these places have residency requirements, with the exceptions being Vermont and Oregon.

But Hendrix is choosing to end her life in another country because, among other rules and regulations, a patient must have six months or less to live to undergo assisted suicide where it is legal in the U.S.

"I don't want to wait that long," Hendrix said. "I don't want to get that sick."

Even before her diagnosis, Hendrix had spent decades advocating for the right to assisted suicide, including by becoming involved with groups like Compassion and Choices, a nonprofit that works to increase access to so-called death with dignity.

She filled out the paperwork for her assisted death this past spring and was planning to make the trip to Switzerland in August, but she had to push her timeline back due to a lack of open spots for the procedure during that time.

"They put an IV in your arm and the first medicine that goes through puts you to sleep and the second one stops all body functions," Hendrix said. "They have some kind of button on the IV, you have to be able to push that button and that starts the fluid. In five minutes it’s done."

When her life ends, she will be cremated and her remains will be shipped back to Missouri in a couple of weeks.

Hendrix said she is not nervous about the trip, but acknowledges the impact her death will have on her family.

"It's a huge loss, a huge loss for us," Foeste said. "It's not going to be the same. It’s just not."

Hendrix said she has had tough conversations with friends and family who do not support her decision to end her life through assisted suicide, including some who believe what she is doing is morally wrong.

"Some of them are religious, and, you know, have some views, but I think because I've been open about it for so long around people, they weren't shocked," Hendrix said.

Her daughter is among the people who do not support her decision to end her life.

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"I can't say I agree with her decision, I don't," Foeste said. "But, it's not my choice. I do love her and support her and there's no way on the planet my mom is going to do this alone, no way."

"I love her and support her 100%, no matter what," Foeste added. "She knows that, my kids know that, and I just wish more people were like that."

Hendrix said she is aware she could potentially miss out on more quality living, but does not want to run the risk of ending up in a hospital bed.

"I just am peaceful about my decision, and it’s the right thing for me and my body," Hendrix said.

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20 worst places to live if you have asthma, per major health organization

Nearly 28 million people in the U.S. have asthma, or about one in 12 people — and depending on where you live, the condition may be more difficult to manage.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recently released its Asthma Capitals report, which ranks the 100 most populated U.S. states based on how challenging they are for people with the chronic respiratory disease.

"This is not a report about ‘bad’ cities for asthma — rather, it is a report that indicates the factors that can make living with asthma more challenging," Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of the AAFA in Virginia, told Fox News Digital via email.

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The report designates "asthma capitals" based on the prevalence of the disease, the number of asthma-related emergency room visits, and asthma-related deaths.

"The cities at the top of the report tend to score higher than average in at least two of these categories," Mendez noted. 

"High rates of hospitalization or death due to asthma indicate a lower quality of life for people with asthma in these cities."

This report also acknowledges that where people live can significantly impact their health, Mendez said. 

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"Social, economic and environmental disadvantages play a role in determining asthma outcomes," he noted. 

"Many of the top asthma capitals are also facing major challenges and inequities that lead to health disparities."

Risk factors for asthma — including air quality, poverty, access to specialists, tobacco policies, use of medications and lack of health insurance — are also factored into the report.

Added Mendez, "We see the report as a way to highlight factors impacting asthma."

The AAFA identified the following 20 cities as the top "asthma capitals."

The full list of 100 top asthma capitals is listed in the report, which can be accessed from the AAFA’s website.

For those with asthma who live in one of the more challenging locations, the AAFA recommends taking the following steps to make the condition more tolerable.

To keep asthma under control, this plan should include information about medications, ways to recognize worsening symptoms and steps to take in an emergency.

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Mendez noted that getting vaccines for respiratory infections such as the flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumonia can help to manage asthma symptoms.

"We spend 90% of our time indoors, so it is important to take steps to improve indoor air quality," Mendez told Fox News Digital. 

"These can include using certified asthma- and allergy-friendly air cleaners, and ensuring that cleaning products reduce allergens and are free from airway irritants."

This may include wearing a mask in crowded places, washing hands properly and avoiding contact with sick people, according to Mendez.

Getting the optimal amount of rest, drinking plenty of water and eating healthy foods can help make asthma more tolerable, per the AAFA.

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"There are treatment options available that can help prevent the risk of an asthma attack, thus making it possible to live with this chronic lung disease," Mendez said. 

"Patients should speak with their health care team to determine what plan is best for them."

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