Top 10 Most Common Chronic Diseases in the U.S. in 2025

Hypertension is often symptom-free for years, which is why screening and long-term control matter. Even modest reductions in average blood pressure translate into meaningful reductions in cardiovascular events at the population level.

• What drives prevalence: age structure, diet sodium/potassium balance, obesity, alcohol, inactivity, sleep apnea.
• High-impact levers: weight loss, regular activity, limiting alcohol, DASH-style eating, medication adherence where prescribed.
• Why it ranks #1: extremely common and tightly linked to downstream chronic conditions.

Adult obesity prevalence has remained around ~40% in recent NHANES cycles, while severe obesity has continued to be a public health concern. Obesity increases risk for multiple chronic diseases and can complicate management once conditions develop.

• What drives prevalence: calorie surplus, ultra-processed foods, low activity, sleep, stress, medications, environment.
• High-impact levers: structured diet + activity, sleep regularity, clinical support when appropriate.
• Interpretation: BMI-based definition; does not capture all aspects of metabolic health.

“Arthritis” covers multiple conditions (including osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis). Prevalence rises sharply with age and affects mobility, work capacity, and quality of life.

• What drives prevalence: aging population, prior injuries, obesity (joint load), certain autoimmune conditions.
• High-impact levers: strength training, weight management, joint-friendly activity, evidence-based pain management plans.
• Why it matters: disability burden and long-term functional limitations.

“Ever diagnosed” captures lifetime diagnosis, not necessarily current symptoms. Depression can be episodic or persistent and often co-occurs with anxiety, substance use disorders, and chronic pain.

• What drives prevalence: access to diagnosis and care, social determinants, comorbidity burden, stress exposure.
• High-impact levers: early identification, psychotherapy, evidence-based medication when indicated, sleep and activity routines.
• Interpretation: survey-based, depends on diagnostic access and reporting.

CKD is common and frequently undiagnosed, especially in early stages. Managing blood pressure and blood sugar, plus appropriate medication strategies, can slow progression.

• What drives prevalence: diabetes, hypertension, aging, cardiovascular disease, certain medications/toxins.
• High-impact levers: A1C and BP control, kidney function monitoring, avoiding nephrotoxic exposures where possible.
• Why it matters: progression risk to kidney failure and elevated cardiovascular risk.

Diabetes prevalence estimates are compiled from surveillance systems (latest compiled year noted by CDC). Screening and early management reduce complications; prevention is strongly tied to weight and activity patterns.

• What drives prevalence: obesity, inactivity, family history, gestational diabetes history, age.
• High-impact levers: weight loss, activity, nutrition pattern changes, medication management, routine monitoring.
• Important related metric: prediabetes is also widespread (not ranked here as a disease state).

Asthma burden depends on triggers (allergens, smoke, air quality), access to controller medications, and adherence to individualized action plans.

• What drives prevalence: genetics, allergens, pollution/smoke exposure, respiratory infections, occupational exposures.
• High-impact levers: trigger control, controller therapy for persistent asthma, inhaler technique, action plan adherence.
• Why it matters: preventable exacerbations, emergency visits, and lost productivity.

“Cancer survivors” includes people living after a cancer diagnosis—ranging from newly treated to long-term survivors. Survivorship often involves follow-up care, screening for recurrence, and managing treatment-related late effects.

• What drives growth: improved detection and treatment, population aging, rising incidence for some cancers.
• High-impact levers: evidence-based screening, smoking cessation, vaccination (HPV/HBV where relevant), follow-up adherence.
• Interpretation: a stock measure (survivors living), not annual incidence.

CHD prevalence is lower than hypertension because it captures diagnosed disease events/conditions. Prevention focuses on risk factor control: blood pressure, cholesterol management, diabetes control, smoking cessation, and activity.

• What drives prevalence: age, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, family history.
• High-impact levers: smoking cessation, BP control, lipid management, physical activity, diet quality.
• Interpretation: “ever diagnosed” depends on access and diagnosis.

COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Smoking remains the leading preventable cause, and early symptom recognition matters because interventions can improve function and reduce exacerbations.

• What drives prevalence: smoking history, occupational dust/fumes, air pollution, aging.
• High-impact levers: smoking cessation, vaccinations, pulmonary rehab, inhaled therapies where appropriate.
• Why it matters: progressive limitation, exacerbations, hospitalizations.