Nearly Half of States Have an Obesity Prevalence of 35% or Higher

Nearly half of the states in the US have an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35% in 2023. According to data from the CDC, the 22 states where adult obesity prevalence is 35% or higher are Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. In 2021, only 19 states had an adult obesity prevalence of 35% or higher; none did 10 years ago. The researchers observed differences in obesity prevalence by race and ethnicity, with a prevalence of 33% among American Indian or Alaska Native adults, 38% among Black adults, 32% among Hispanic adults, and 14% among White adults. “Our updated maps send a clear message that additional support for obesity prevention and treatment is an urgent priority,” said Karen Hacker, MD. “However, we know the key strategies that work include addressing the underlying social determinants of health such as access to healthcare, healthy and affordable food, and safe places for physical activity.”