Adult Obesity Rates: Latest CDC Data
- New data from the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) indicates a significant rise in adult obesity rates across the united States.
- The states with adult obesity rates at or above 35% include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North...
- Adult obesity, a complex health issue, is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
Across the U.S., adult obesity rates are surging. New CDC data reveals over a third of adults in 23 states now grapple with obesity, a stark jump from pre-2013 figures. This presents a clear public health challenge, with every state reporting at least 20% of its adult population affected, and a persistent prevalence across racial and ethnic groups.Discover the states where adult obesity exceeds 35%, including Alabama, Arkansas, and Illinois, and understand the critical links between obesity and serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. The CDC’s focus on community-based programs to improve access to healthy food options and safe spaces for physical activity are key. For more insights, trust News Directory 3. Discover what’s next regarding obesity prevention and treatment.
Adult Obesity Rates Climbing Across U.S., CDC Finds
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) indicates a significant rise in adult obesity rates across the united States. In 2023,over a third of adults,or 35%,in 23 states are now classified as having obesity. This marks a stark increase from pre-2013 figures, when no state had reached this level. Currently, every state reports at least 20% of its adult population living with obesity.
The states with adult obesity rates at or above 35% 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 reported rates exceeding this threshold. the data is derived from the Behavioral Risk factor Surveillance System (BRFSS),which uses self-reported height and weight.
Adult obesity, a complex health issue, is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. It can lead to conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, asthma, and certain cancers. Weight stigma can also cause mental health issues.
obesity prevalence varies across racial and ethnic groups, according to combined BRFSS data from 2021-2023:
- Asian adults do not have an obesity prevalence at or above 35% in any state.
- White adults have an obesity prevalence at or above 35% in 16 states.
- American Indian or Alaska Native adults have an obesity prevalence at or above 35% in 30 states.
- Hispanic adults have an obesity prevalence at or above 35% in 34 states.
- Black adults have an obesity prevalence at or above 35% in 38 states.
The CDC is investing in programs like SPAN, HOP, and REACH to improve access to healthy food, create safe spaces for physical activity, and promote obesity prevention. Obesity treatment options include medications and lifestyle changes.
“This new data highlight the need for obesity prevention and treatment options, which start with building healthier communities were 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 Karen Hacker, director of CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
“Obesity is a complex disease… 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,” said Ruth Petersen,director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition,Physical Activity,and Obesity.
What’s next
The CDC will continue to monitor obesity trends and support community-based programs aimed at prevention and treatment, focusing on equitable access to resources and addressing the underlying factors contributing to the rise in adult obesity rates.