Data shows that at least one in five people in every US state is obese

2023 US obesity statistics show that one in five people in every US state is now obese, according to data released Thursday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In 2013, no state had an adult obesity rate above 35 percent, but 10 years later, 23 states had reached that status.

Obesity is defined by the CDC as a body mass index of 30 or higher. Millions more Americans struggling with their weight is really bad news, the CDC said in a statement.

“Obesity is a disease that can cause many health problems, including asthma, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers and serious respiratory complications,” the agency said. “In addition, stigma and prejudice about a person’s weight can have social and mental health consequences, such as anxiety and poor body image.”

The 23 states where obesity now affects at least 35 percent of the population are: 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.

In 38 states, 35 percent or more of black adults were obese. The same was seen among Hispanic adults in 34 states, American Indian/Alaska Natives in 30 states, and whites in 16 states. Only Asian Americans did not have an obesity prevalence of 35 percent or more in any state.

Taken together, the new statistics “underscore the need for prevention and treatment options for obesity. These begin with building healthier communities where people of all ages have safe places to exercise and where health care and healthy food options are accessible and affordable for all,” said Karen Hacker, MD, MPH, director of the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

She added: “Preventing obesity at a young age is critical because we know that children with obesity often become obese adults.”

“Obesity is a complex disease,” explained Ruth Petersen, MD, MPH, director of the CDC Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. “There is a common misconception that obesity is the result of a lack of willpower and a failure of individuals to eat right and exercise.”

“However, many factors contribute to obesity, including genes, certain medications, poor sleep, gut microbiome, stress, access to affordable food, safe places to be active, and access to health care,” Petersen said. “Understanding these factors helps us identify potential prevention and treatment strategies.”

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