A state-by-state analysis of adult obesity rates reveals both good and bad news. The number of states with rates above 35% declined for the first time to 19 in 2024, down from 23 the previous year. However, recent federal actions may put this progress at risk.
“Structural barriers to healthy eating and physical activity need continued policy attention and investment,” said Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, president and CEO of the Trust for America’s Health, which conducted the study. “It is vital that government and other sectors invest in -- not cut -- proven programs that support good nutrition and physical activity and ensure they reach all communities.”
Research by the nonpartisan, nonprofit organization found that although the rise in the number of adults with obesity slowed in some states, the nation’s overall obesity rate continues to be alarmingly high. Nationally, 4 in 10 American adults are obese. The rates of obesity vary significantly by geography and demographic group:
- The states with the highest rates of obesity among adults in 2024 were West Virginia (41.4%), Mississippi (40.4%) and Louisiana (39.2%).
- Colorado (25%), Hawaii (27%) and Massachusetts (27%), along with Washington, D.C. (25.5%) had the lowest levels.
- Black and Latino adults had the highest rates of obesity at 50% and 46%, respectively.
- People living in rural communities tend to have higher rates of obesity than people living in metropolitan areas.
- Obesity levels typically are lower among people with college degrees and for those with higher household incomes, suggesting that the affordability of healthy foods plays a role.
- Nationwide, just above 21% of children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 are obese. These rates have more than tripled since the mid-1970s, and Black and Latino youth have substantially higher rates of obesity compared to their Asian and white peers.
Obesity and other diet-related diseases are associated with a range of physical and mental health conditions, higher mortality, higher health care costs, and productivity losses. Although many factors contribute to obesity, economic and community context shape Americans’ daily life and available choices around healthy food, physical activity, education, jobs, stress and financial security, which affect people’s weight and health.
Although obesity rates have increased for all population groups, those with higher rates, including people who live in rural communities and some populations of color, typically face more structural barriers to healthy eating, including food cost and access, and a lack of opportunities and safe places to be physically active in their neighborhoods.
The report includes several policy recommendations to address the causes of obesity.
“A systems approach includes eliminating longstanding structural and historic inequities, targeting obesity prevention programs to communities with the highest needs and scaling and increasing evidence-based initiatives that create healthy community environments to support optimal health and promote healthy behaviors and outcomes,” the report said.
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