Obesity rate reaches 20% of US adults

Key takeaways:

• One in five adults, or 20%, in each state have obesity.
• Obesity was also prevalent in Native American or Alaskan Native, Hispanic and Black adults.

Obesity prevalence among adults remained high in the United States in 2023, with one in three adults living with obesity in 23 states, according to new CDC data.

This number is up by one state from 2022, while no state had an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35% before 2013, according to a CDC press release.

Now, 20% of adults — or one in five — in each state have obesity.

“Th[ese] 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,” Karen Hacker, MD, MPH, the director of CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, said in the release.

Obesity prevention at young ages “is critical, because we know that children with obesity often become adults with obesity,” Hacker added.

“This is one of the reasons why we prioritize state and community investments in effective child care and family healthy weight programs.”

The 23 states where 35% or more of adults have obesity 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.

Of those states, Arkansas, Mississippi and West Virginia had an obesity prevalence of 40% or greater.

Additionally, Guam and Puerto Rico had an obesity rate of at least 35% or higher.

According to the release, combined 2021 to 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data showed obesity impacted some diverse groups significantly more than others.

For example, Asian adults did not have an obesity prevalence of 35% or higher in any states among 38 states, one territory and Washington D.C., whereas white adults had an obesity prevalence of 35% or greater in 16 states out of 47 states, two territories and Washington, D.C.

Meanwhile, American Indian or Alaska Native adults had an obesity prevalence of 35% or above in 30 of 34 states, whereas Hispanic adults had an obesity prevalence of 35% or greater in 34 states out of 47 states, one territory and Washington, D.C.

Among 46 states, one territory and Washington, D.C., Black adults had an obesity prevalence of 35% or more in 38 states.

Obesity prevalence differed by age, with younger adults less likely to have obesity vs. middle-aged adults. Adults aged 18 to 24 years had the lowest prevalence of obesity (19.5%), whereas adults aged 45 to 54 years had the highest (39.2%).

“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,” Ruth Petersen, MD, the director of CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, said in the release. “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.”

References:

• Adult obesity prevalence maps. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/php/data-research/adult-obesity-prevalence-maps.html. Accessed Sept. 12, 2024.
• New CDC data show adult obesity prevalence remains high. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p0912-adult-obesity.html. Published Sept. 12, 2024. Accessed Sept. 12, 2024.