Over 50 Million Adults in U.S. Diagnosed with Arthritis
An estimated 21.2% of adults in the United States (53.2 million) have arthritis, according to research published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (October 2023). The data came from the 2019 to 2021 National Health Interview Survey. Respondents were asked if they have ever been told by a healthcare professional that they have arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus or fibromyalgia. Prevalence of arthritis was higher among women (20.9%) than men (16.3%). And it was higher among non-Hispanic white (20.1%) than among Hispanic or Latino (14.7%) or Asian (10.3%) adults. Most cases of arthritis (88.3%) were among people ages 45 and older. The authors emphasized the importance of regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding joint injury for preventing and managing arthritis.
