Increases in Prepregnancy Obesity: United States, 2016-2019

Abstract

Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30.0 and over) has risen in the United States in recent decades (1). Obesity varies by demographic factors, such as age, race and Hispanic origin, and socioeconomic status (2,3). Maternal obesity has been linked to a variety of adverse health outcomes for mothers and newborns, including gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, preterm delivery, large size for gestational age, and infant death (4-10). The 2016 natality data file is the first for which prepregnancy BMI is available for all states and the District of Columbia (D.C.). This report presents trends in prepregnancy obesity for 2016 through 2019 by maternal race and Hispanic origin, age, and educational attainment. Trends by state for 2016-2019 and 2019 rates also are shown.