CDC: 22 States Have an Adult Obesity Prevalence ≥35 Percent

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 27, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Twenty-two states have an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35 percent, up from 2021, according to data recently released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

State-based adult obesity prevalence was calculated by race, ethnicity, and location based on self-reported height and weight data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

The 22 states with an adult obesity prevalence ≥35 percent include 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 ≥35 percent, and 10 years ago, no state had an adult obesity prevalence ≥35 percent. The researchers observed differences in obesity prevalence by race and ethnicity, with American Indian or Alaska Native adults having a prevalence of 33 percent, Black adults 38 percent, Hispanic adults 32 percent, and White adults 14 percent.

"Our updated maps send a clear message that additional support for obesity prevention and treatment is an urgent priority," Karen Hacker, M.D., director of the CDC National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, said in a statement. "However, we know the key strategies that work include addressing the underlying social determinants of health such as access to health care, healthy and affordable food, and safe places for physical activity."

More Information

2022 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps