America is facing a significant health epidemic: obesity. In 2020, over 42% of adults were classified as obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This harrowing statistic underscores an ever-growing health challenge. Obesity is a nationwide crisis that has far-reaching consequences far beyond weight management. 

A study by the National Institute of Health (NIH) found that severe obesity can reduce life expectancy by as much as 14 years and costs the economy $173 billion annually. It also accounts for 4 million preventable deaths every year. The word preventable is key. Our health, like the organs in our body, is interconnected, and innovative healthcare solutions – such as artificial intelligence (AI) – has immense potential in optimizing prevention and care. 

AI has the power to revolutionize the healthcare industry by improving how we monitor, engage, track, and assess our health. The AI healthcare sector is projected to reach $148 billion by 2029, signaling its promise to reshape how we approach our health. 

AI can enable healthcare professionals and patients to identify patterns that may signal obesity-related complications early on. Overly simplistic, one-size-fits-all approaches to healthcare, such as generalized dietary guidelines, often overlook individual health needs. By supercharging personalized healthcare, AI can lead to better health outcomes. 

As consumers, we now have access to an abundance of health data at our fingertips—we track our steps, calories, menstrual cycles, and sleep patterns. The more we know and the more data we have about our health, the sooner we can intervene with lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise modifications to reverse obesity. 

While AI can provide valuable use for patients, its greatest potential is realized when used alongside healthcare professionals. AI can be a resource to harness valuable data and provide insights that empower individuals and healthcare professionals to make more informed and personalized health decisions. For example, among many use cases, AI can develop tailored diet and exercise plans based on a patient’s medical history, genetic risk factors, and health data.

The promise of AI in medical research can be profound. A study from Prenuvo published in the Journal of Aging and Disease utilized AI to analyze whole-body MRI scans and uncovered a correlation between visceral abdominal fat and brain volume loss. Elevated levels of visceral and subcutaneous fat were linked to smaller brain volumes, suggesting these factors could influence brain health. This study shows us how AI can help us understand disease processes at earlier stages, enabling timely interventions that can extend both healthspan and lifespan.

That said, there is still an immense amount of research that needs to be done to explore the bias and challenges of AI in healthcare, which can lead to gaps in information and distort results. Understandably, skepticism of AI’s role in healthcare is common given the rapid pace and accessibility of its platform.

Nonetheless, an AI-driven future offers the potential for more personalized treatment plans, enhanced disease prevention strategies, and proactive care. By harnessing the power of AI, we can foster a more proactive healthcare landscape that addresses America’s obesity crisis, emphasizes prevention, and empowers individuals to take charge of their well-being ultimately paving the way for a healthier future for our society. 

Christine Alabastro is the senior director and head of PR & communications for Prenuvo, makers of the world’s most advanced and comprehensive whole-body proactive MRI scan. Her global industry experience spans the worlds of entertainment, technology, and agency, with roles at DoorDash, TikTok, Hulu, Edelman, and Golin. She is a member of the USC Center for PR board of advisers.

Ava Nicols is a freshman at USC Annenberg studying journalism and helps lead research and editorial projects at the Center for Public Relations.