Obesity Rate by State

In recent decades, the United States has seen a significant increase in obesity rates, resulting in a complex public health crisis. This issue presents itself in varying degrees, influenced by a multitude of factors such as income, education, access to healthy food, and physical activity opportunities, among others. 

The most recent data presents an alarming picture: In 2022, no state had an obesity rate below 25%, with a sizable majority exceeding 30%. Notably, West Virginia holds the highest obesity rate at 41%, followed closely by Louisiana and Oklahoma at 40.1% and 40%. However, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Vermont, and, especially Hawaii and Colorado show that much lower rates are achievable.

Key findings from the data include:

• Over half of the U.S. states now have obesity rates exceeding 35%, an alarming milestone showcasing the widespread nature of the issue.
• Southern and Midwest states, especially West Virginia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Tennessee, exhibit significantly higher obesity rates than those in other regions.
• Despite still facing considerable obesity challenges, states in the Western and Northeastern regions, including Colorado, Hawaii, Vermont, Massachusetts, and California, tend to showcase the lowest obesity rates nationally.
• Even the states with the lowest obesity rates have seen a significant increase over the past two decades, demonstrating that this is a nationwide problem.

Shedding light on these trends empowers us to address them better, emphasizing the need for effective policies, early education about nutrition, accessible health care, and community planning that encourages physical activity and access to nutritious food options.