BMI can be a helpful tool for initial health screening as it can help target diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides comprehensive data on adult obesity prevalence by state and territory through their Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps. We take a look through the 25 states with the highest obesity rates.
West Virginia
With an obesity rate of 41%, West Virginia has the highest obesity rate in the U.S. High poverty rates limit access to healthy food, healthcare, and resources for healthy living, impacting dietary choices and physical activity opportunities.
Louisiana
Louisiana has an obesity rate of 40.1%, making it the second highest in the country. Many areas need more grocery stores with fresh produce and nutritious options, forcing reliance on processed and calorie-dense alternatives. Louisiana’s climate can also discourage certain forms of outdoor activity, especially during the summer months.
Oklahoma
One of the primary reasons for high obesity rates is the lack of access to education on healthy choices and nutrition. This can hinder individuals’ ability to make informed decisions about their health, which has led to Oklahoma having an obesity rate of 40%.
Alabama
Alabama’s obesity rate is currently 38.3% due to several reasons. Primarily, there has been a strong focus on traditional, often calorie-dense cuisine, and limited body positivity can influence eating habits and discourage healthy choices. In addition, there is a dependence on cars, which decreases opportunities for active transportation and contributes to sedentary lifestyles.
Arkansas
Arkansas has an obesity rate of 37.4% despite health programs focused on focusing on healthy eating. One reason for high obesity rates in the state is the lack of health insurance, and affordable preventative care options can hinder early detection and intervention for obesity-related health risks.
Delaware
The obesity rate in Delaware is. “Obesity is a disease caused by many factors, including eating patterns, physical activity levels, sleep routines, genetics, and certain medications,” according to Karen Hacker, director of CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health.
Georgia
With an obesity rate of 37%, Georgia is high on the CDC ranking. Aggressive marketing of unhealthy food and beverages, mainly targeting low-income communities, can be one thing that influences dietary choices and contributes to unhealthy consumption patterns.
Indiana
Indiana has a high rate of obesity, coming in at 37.7%. This is likely due to a high intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats contributing to weight gain.
Iowa
With a lack of education on healthy eating, for example, knowing an inadequate intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lead to nutrient deficiencies and affect metabolism, Iowa has an obesity rate of 37.4%.
Kansas
With an obesity rate of 35.7%, Kansas is working on campaigns to improve the health of its residents. The Kansas Healthy Food Initiative (KHFI): Provides funding and technical assistance to expand access to healthy food in underserved areas, supporting grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and food distribution programs.
Kentucky
The high school graduation rate is 86.4%, lower than the national average, significantly influencing its 37.7% obesity rate. The presence of food deserts in certain areas, lack of transportation to grocery stores with fresh produce, and limited access to food assistance programs.
Mississippi
Expanding Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act has increased access to healthcare for thousands of previously uninsured Mississippians. This is just one initiative the state has implemented to combat its 39.5% obesity rate.
Missouri
There is a general trend of poor diet and nutrition and low levels of physical activity in communities with high levels of obesity. Missouri is one example of a state struggling with health education, with an obesity rate of 36.4%.
Nebraska
Nebraska has an obesity rate of 35.3%. One reason could be limited access to healthy options in school lunches, impacting children’s dietary habits and contributing to unhealthy choices later in life.
North Dakota
The North Dakota Medicaid expansion is expanding Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act, which has increased access to healthcare for thousands of previously uninsured North Dakotans. This is in response to the current 35.4% obesity rate.
Ohio
With an obesity rate of 38.1% in Ohio, The Department of Health tackles health challenges. They are creating programs promoting nutrition education, healthy food access, and physical activity, which is critical to reducing the number of people who are overweight.
South Carolina
South Carolina has an obesity rate of 35%, so it has significant work to do to educate its residents. Due to their higher costs, individuals in low-income brackets often need more access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. Processed foods, often cheaper and calorie-dense, become more readily available, leading to unhealthy dietary patterns.
South Dakota
The obesity rate in South Dakota is 36.8%. While some Southern dishes can be calorie-dense, it’s essential to recognize that access to healthy ingredients and dietary information can sometimes differ across the region. Socioeconomic factors like poverty and food insecurity can significantly limit options and contribute to unhealthy eating patterns.
Tennessee
Tennessee’s obesity rate is 38.9%, which is a significant concern. Certain factors associated with the South, such as food traditions, income disparities, and specific population groups, can contribute to higher obesity rates. However, focusing solely on these aspects paints an incomplete picture and overlooks broader societal influences.
Texas
Texas has an obesity rate of 35,5%. The South has a higher concentration of rural residents and Black women, who often face systemic challenges, like food insecurity and limited access to healthcare, that contribute to higher obesity rates.
Virginia
Virginia has a high obesity rate, coming in at 35.2% of the population. Attributing obesity solely to individual choices like diet and exercise overlooks the complex interplay of social, economic, and environmental factors that shape health outcomes within a state.
Wisconsin
At 37.7% of the population, Wisconsin has an alarming obesity rate that the government is trying to tackle. The state’s high obesity rate reflects systemic challenges like food deserts, income inequality, and limited access to healthcare, which make it difficult for many residents to prioritize healthy food and physical activity.
Michigan
Michigan has an obesity rate of 34.5%, with one of the leading causes being a high prevalence of junk food. Income inequality is also an issue when it comes to staying healthy, something the local government is trying to address.
Maryland
Maryland’s high obesity rate of 33.2%, like those in many other states, arises from a complex interplay of factors, not just individual choices. One factor is the reliance on cars for daily needs, which decreases opportunities for active transportation and promotes sedentary lifestyles.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has an obesity rate of 33.4%. The majority of obese residents are from black and Hispanic backgrounds, which indicates that there is race disparity in healthcare.
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