Nearly 72% of Americans have this health complaint, new CDC report finds

Nearly three-quarters of American adults, or 71.5%, experience fatigue at least a few times within a three-month period, according to a recent study by the National Center for Health Statistics, a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The research, based on data from the 2024 National Health Interview Survey, included responses from over 27,000 adult participants aged 18 and above.

Fatigue, defined as physical or mental tiredness that does not improve with additional rest, is more than just feeling tired. Those who regularly experience fatigue are also more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and cognitive difficulties. Natalie A.E. Young, the lead author of the study, stated that fatigue is not only common but also causes limitations in daily life.

The study found that more than half of the participants reported symptoms of fatigue on "some days" during the three-month period, while 10.7% experienced fatigue on "most days," and 5.9% reported feeling fatigued "every day." Women are more likely than men to experience frequent fatigue, with around 20% of women reporting symptoms as opposed to 13% of men.

The frequency of fatigue also varies regionally and across socioeconomic factors, with lower rates observed in higher-income families and urban areas, particularly in the South and Midwest.

The report provides new insights into the prevalence of fatigue, but it has limitations as it did not explore the causes of this common health issue.