More than 4 in 10 Americans currently meet the medical definition of obesity, putting them at risk for serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. But when you look at obesity rates at the state level, the numbers can be even more dramatic.
recently released data Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 22 states had adult obesity rates of 35% or higher in 2021, compared to 19 states. Just 10 years ago, no state exceeded the 35% threshold for adult obesity. Looking at adult obesity rates by state highlights the need for public health support at a more local level. According to the CDC.
Which state has the highest adult obesity rate?
These states have the highest adult obesity rates (over 35%).
- 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
- wisconsin
Obesity rates among adults and youth continue to increase
Inequality persists: Obesity rates vary by race and ethnicity
How can communities address obesity?
Access to healthy foods, safe spaces for physical activity, non-stigmatizing obesity prevention and treatment programs, and evidence-based health services such as medications and surgery are ways to address and prevent obesity. This is an example. According to the CDC.
Directed by Karen Hacker CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. She said there is no one approach to dealing with obesity, saying, “Obesity is a disease caused by many factors, including dietary patterns, physical activity levels, sleeping habits, genetics, and certain medications. That means there is no one-size-fits-all approach,” Hacker continued, “but key strategies that work include access to health care, healthy and affordable food, and increased physical activity. “We know that this includes addressing the fundamental social determinants of health, such as safe spaces for people to live.”
What is causing America’s obesity epidemic?
USA TODAY analyzed how weight in the United States has changed in recent years, including advances in treatments and the scientific understanding of obesity. Reporters spoke with more than 50 experts in nutrition, endocrinology, psychology, exercise physiology, neuroscience, and others with knowledge of weight gain issues. This is what they discovered.
Obesity epidemic: Obesity has long been considered a personal flaw. Science shows otherwise.
Inside America’s Obesity Epidemic: Weight (and weight loss) for Americans is not so simple.