According to an analysis published in the journal Circulation, many American women could face serious health problems in the coming decades.
High blood pressure is expected to rise most among Hispanic women, while obesity may increase most among Asian women.
Black women are projected to continue having the highest rates of high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes in 2050. Around 40 percent of Black girls may be overweight by that time.
Social factors such as poverty, low levels of education, and living in rural areas influence the risk of disease.
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Problems begin early
The trend does not affect adults alone. Nearly 32 percent of girls aged 2 to 19 may be overweight in 2050.
Lack of physical activity and unhealthy diets are cited as key causes.
At the same time, more than 25 percent of women may have diabetes in 2050, compared with around 15 percent today.
More than 60 percent may be overweight, and nearly 60 percent may have high blood pressure.
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Prevention is important
Cardiovascular disease is already the leading cause of death among women in the United States.
One in three women dies from these diseases, and more than 62 million women live with some form of cardiovascular disease. The annual costs amount to at least 200 billion dollars.
According to the American Heart Association, up to 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases and strokes can be prevented through healthier habits such as improved diets, increased physical activity, and smoking cessation.
Overall, the analysis shows that a large proportion of American women could develop cardiovascular disease within the next 25 years if the trend continues.
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A similar development may also be seen in other countries.
Sources: HealthDay, Circulation, and American Heart Association.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.