The latest CDC population data from 2023 show that in 23 states more than one in three adults (35%) has obesity. Before 2013, no state had an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35%. Currently, at least one in five adults (20%) in each US state is living with obesity.
"The CDC's report reinforces what we at the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) have long been advocating: obesity is a serious, chronic and complex disease that demands our urgent attention," said Joe Nadglowski, OAC President and CEO. "This understanding is fundamental to developing effective strategies for obesity prevention, treatment and support."
"Obesity is a complex disease. There's a common misconception that obesity is a result of lack of willpower and individual failings to eat well and exercise," said Dr Ruth Petersen, director of CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. "Many factors contribute to obesity like genes, certain medications, poor sleep, gut microbiome, stress, access to affordable food, safe places to be active, and access to health care. Understanding these factors helps us identify potential prevention and treatment strategies."
The CDC 2023 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps for 48 states, the District of Columbia, and three US territories show the proportion of adults with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 ( ≥30 kg/m2) based on self-reported weight and height. Data are presented by race/ethnicity and location. The data come from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an ongoing state-based, telephone interview survey conducted by CDC and state health departments.
The 23 states with the highest adult obesity rates (35% or higher) include: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Guam and Puerto Rico also had an obesity rate of at least 35%. State-based adult obesity prevalence by race, ethnicity, and location uses self-reported height and weight data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
Obesity impacts some groups more than others. There are notable differences by race and ethnicity, as shown by combined BRFSS data from 2021–2023. For example:
Asian adults do not have an obesity prevalence at or above 35% in any state (among 37 states, 1 territory, and DC).
In 16 states, White adults have an obesity prevalence at or above 35% (among 47 states, 2 territories, and DC).
In 30 states, American Indian or Alaska Native adults have an obesity prevalence at or above 35% (among 44 states).
In 34 states, Hispanic adults have an obesity prevalence at or above 35% (among 47 states, 3 territories, and DC).
In 38 states, Black adults have an obesity prevalence at or above 35% (among 46 states, 1 territory, and DC).
"This new data highlight the need for obesity prevention and treatment options, which start with building healthier communities where people of all ages have safe places for physical activity, and where health care and healthy food options are accessible and affordable for all," said Dr Karen Hacker, director of CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. "Obesity prevention at young ages is critical, because we know that children with obesity often become adults with obesity. This is one of the reasons why we prioritize state and community investments in effective childcare and family healthy weight programmes."
In 2023, all US states and territories had an obesity prevalence higher than 20% (more than 1 in 5 adults). Overall, the Midwest (36.0%) and South (34.7%) had the highest prevalence of obesity, followed the West (29.1%) and the Northeast (28.6%). DC and Colorado had an obesity prevalence between 20% and less than 25%.
In addition:
Seven states had an obesity prevalence between 25% and less than 30%.
17 states and the US Virgin Islands had an obesity prevalence between 30% and less than 35%.
20 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico had an obesity prevalence between 35% and less than 40%.
Three states (Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia) had an obesity prevalence of 40% or greater.
"These findings are a call to action," Nadglowski added. "We need to double down on our efforts to ensure that everyone affected by obesity has access to the care and support they need. This includes advocating for policies that improve access to obesity treatments, educating healthcare providers about obesity management and working to reduce stigma."
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