In an age where everything seems to be getting bigger—houses, TVs, cars, and waistlines—the shocking rise in obesity rates has everyone asking: What happened? In 2024, nearly 43% of Americans were classified as obese, a staggering leap from just 13% back in the 1960s. Experts link this increase to our modern diets brimming with ultra-processed foods, which come loaded with calories and health risks.

A Dive into Dietary Changes

California nutritionist Autumn Bates is on a mission to uncover the reasons why we were so much slimmer decades ago, despite fewer people hitting the gym. After stumbling upon a thought-provoking YouTube video, she set out to analyze our nutritional history.

Bates notes, "In the 1960s, obesity rates hovered around 13%. Meanwhile, fast forward to 2025, and we're nearing 43%. It's shocking, especially since people weren't exactly known for their healthy eating habits back then. So why were we leaner?"

Home-Cooked Meals: The Nutritional Backbone

First on Bates' list is the decline of home-cooked, fresh meals—once the staple of American diets. Back then, meals often included high-quality proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Kids were packing balanced lunches, while favorites like pot roast and meatloaf dominated dinner tables.

Today? Fast food reigns supreme, with meals often exceeding 2,000 calories. Studies show that individuals who prepare their meals at home consume fewer carbs, sugars, and fats, leading to healthier overall diets.

The Rise of Ultra-Processed Foods

Next up, Bates highlights the explosion of ultra-processed foods (UPFs)—those convenient, shelf-stable products loaded with additives. Think ready meals, sugary snacks, and even ketchup. These artificial creations have replaced wholesome options, offering little nutritional value and tricking our brains into craving more.

According to Bates, about 70% of the American diet today consists of these UPFs, pushing daily calorie intakes up by an alarming 800, simply because they leave us feeling unsatisfied.

Where Have All the Physical Activities Gone?

The third reason Bates identifies is a natural decline in daily physical activity. In the 1960s, many jobs were more physically demanding, and people weren’t glued to computer screens. Unlike today, where leisurely hobbies often mean sitting still, children of the past played outside, staying active.

Bates suggests integrating movement into daily routines, such as using walking desks or embracing strength training a few times a week to counteract sedentary lifestyles.

The Sleep Crisis and Its Role in Weight Gain

Lastly, Bates attributes the obesity crisis to our lack of quality sleep. While the average American now squeezes in just over 7 hours of shut-eye, studies from the 1960s indicate people enjoyed about 8.5 hours. Increased screen time and distractions have made it harder to catch those crucial Zs.

"Less sleep is linked to increased hunger hormones, meaning you feel hungrier the next day and are more likely to indulge in sweeter foods and larger portions," Bates explains. She emphasizes the need to re-establish regular bedtimes amid modern distractions.

A Call to Action

With rising obesity levels prompting health scares, understanding the factors behind our ancestors' healthier lifestyles is vital. By prioritizing home-cooked meals, making informed food choices, incorporating regular physical activity, and getting quality sleep, we can reclaim our health—one meal and one night at a time.