A recent study released by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on November 23, 2025, revealed a concerning trend: more than half of U.S. adults are now living with multiple chronic health conditions. In 2023, approximately 51.4% of U.S. adults, or about 130 million people, reported having two or more chronic conditions. This phenomenon, known as multiple chronic conditions (MCC), is becoming increasingly prevalent across all age groups, including younger adults, challenging the traditional view that chronic illnesses primarily affect older populations.
The CDC study, which analyzed data spanning from 2013 to 2023, found that the rates of chronic conditions are rising particularly sharply among younger adults. For adults in the 18-34 age group, the prevalence of one or more chronic conditions increased from 52.5% to 59.5%, and the rate of multiple chronic conditions rose from 21.8% to 27.1%. This trend is concerning, as it indicates that younger generations are entering mid-life with increasingly burdensome health issues.
While the prevalence of multiple chronic conditions is highest among older adults, the rates for those aged 35-64 and 65 and older remain strikingly high. More than half (52.7%) of adults in the 35-64 age group report having two or more chronic conditions, and the rate for those aged 65 and older is even more alarming, with nearly 79% (78.8%) of older adults affected by multiple chronic conditions.
These findings underscore the urgency of implementing preventive health strategies and early-life interventions. Health experts emphasize that addressing modifiable risk factors—such as physical inactivity, poor diet, and tobacco use—during the earlier stages of adulthood could significantly reduce the long-term health burden on both individuals and the healthcare system. By tackling these risk factors sooner, it may be possible to prevent the onset of chronic conditions or slow their progression, improving overall quality of life and reducing the need for costly treatments in the future.
The implications of this study are far-reaching for clinicians and health systems. As more adults live with multiple chronic conditions, managing patient care becomes increasingly complex. This trend will likely lead to higher healthcare costs, as individuals with MCC often require ongoing care and treatment across multiple disciplines. Health experts suggest that a more coordinated approach is necessary, with greater collaboration between primary care providers, chronic disease specialists, and lifestyle medicine experts. This cross-disciplinary coordination is essential to ensuring that patients receive the comprehensive care they need to manage their conditions effectively and improve their quality of life.
The report challenges the long-held assumption that chronic illnesses are primarily a concern for older adults. While it is true that the prevalence of chronic conditions tends to rise with age, the study’s findings highlight a disturbing trend: younger adults are entering middle age with an increasing number of chronic health conditions. This shift calls for a reevaluation of how we approach chronic disease prevention and treatment, with an emphasis on addressing health risks early in life.
Ultimately, the findings of this study serve as a wake-up call for the need to prioritize preventive health strategies at all stages of life. By focusing on modifiable risk factors and improving access to preventative care, it may be possible to reverse or slow the rise of multiple chronic conditions, leading to healthier populations and a more sustainable healthcare system.
