Obesity Rate By State

Obesity Rates
Childhood Obesity Rate
Hypertension Rate
Obesity Rates
1.West VirginiaWest Virginia41%
2.LouisianaLouisiana40.1%
3.OklahomaOklahoma40%
4.MississippiMississippi39.5%
5.TennesseeTennessee38.9%
6.AlabamaAlabama38.3%
7.OhioOhio38.1%
8.DelawareDelaware37.9%
9.WisconsinWisconsin37.7%
10.IndianaIndiana37.7%
11.KentuckyKentucky37.7%
12.IowaIowa37.4%
13.ArkansasArkansas37.4%
14.GeorgiaGeorgia37%
15.South DakotaSouth Dakota36.8%
16.MissouriMissouri36.4%
17.KansasKansas35.7%
18.TexasTexas35.5%
19.North DakotaNorth Dakota35.4%
20.NebraskaNebraska35.3%
21.VirginiaVirginia35.2%
22.South CarolinaSouth Carolina35%
23.MichiganMichigan34.5%
24.WyomingWyoming34.3%
25.North CarolinaNorth Carolina34.1%
26.MinnesotaMinnesota33.6%
27.NevadaNevada33.5%
28.PennsylvaniaPennsylvania33.4%
29.IllinoisIllinois33.4%
30.IdahoIdaho33.2%
31.MarylandMaryland33.2%
32.ArizonaArizona33.2%
33.MaineMaine33.1%
34.New MexicoNew Mexico32.4%
35.AlaskaAlaska32.1%
36.WashingtonWashington31.7%
37.FloridaFlorida31.6%
38.UtahUtah31.1%
39.OregonOregon30.9%
40.Rhode IslandRhode Island30.8%
41.ConnecticutConnecticut30.6%
42.MontanaMontana30.5%
43.New HampshireNew Hampshire30.2%
44.New YorkNew York30.1%
45.New JerseyNew Jersey29.1%
46.CaliforniaCalifornia28.1%
47.MassachusettsMassachusetts27.2%
48.VermontVermont26.8%
49.HawaiiHawaii25.9%
50.ColoradoColorado25%
51.District of ColumbiaDistrict of Columbia24.3%

Introduction

In the shadow of the obesity epidemic that continues to spread across the United States, our investigation dives deep into unveiling the grim reality of this health crisis. As the United States stands 12th when it comes to obesity on a global scale, its national adult obesity rate hovers around 41.9% per the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Across the states, the scourge of obesity does not paint a uniform picture. Rather, regional disparities emerge as a salient feature of this health crisis.

  • Southern states such as Mississippi, West Virginia, and Alabama lead the nation in obesity rates with figures surpassing 36% of the population.
  • High obesity rates are not limited to the South. Midwestern states like Oklahoma, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio also report troubling obesity rates above 34%.
  • The states with the lowest obesity rates are predominantly located in the west or northeast region of the country. These include Colorado, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Vermont, with obesity rates ranging from 23.8% to 26.6%.
  • In general, there is a clear geographical trend. Southern and Midwestern states tend to have higher obesity rates, while Western and Northeastern states generally report lower rates.
  • The data indicates a significant range in obesity rates - from the highest, Mississippi, at 40.8%, to the lowest, Colorado, at 23.8%.

States that are Most Obese

Leading the unenviable list is Mississippi, bearing the highest obesity rate in the nation at 40.8%. This southern state has historically struggled with high rates of obesity and the socioeconomic issues that often accompany it. Occupying the second slot is West Virginia, with an obesity rate of 39.7%. Its economy was once heavily dependent on coal mining, but with the decline of the industry, many are left in physically less demanding jobs or unemployment, contributing to the state's high obesity rates. Following closely behind is Arkansas, carrying an obesity rate of 37.4%. The state's high obesity rate mirrors some frequently observed patterns: states with high poverty rates and relatively low education levels tend to have higher rates of obesity.
The Sooner State, Oklahoma, comes in fourth with an obesity rate of 36.8%, followed closely by Tennessee and Kentucky, both with an obesity rate of 36.5%. Alabama registers an obesity rate of 36.1%, turning the spotlight again on the noticeably high rates in the South. Michigan deviates from our Southern trend, with an obesity rate of 36.0%, reflecting the broader national trend of high obesity rates across the Rust Belt. Rounding out the top 10 are Louisiana and South Carolina, posting high obesity rates of 35.9% and 35.4%, respectively.

Here are the 10 states with the highest obesity rates:

  1. Mississippi - 40.8%
  2. West Virginia - 39.7%
  3. Arkansas - 37.4%
  4. Oklahoma - 36.8%
  5. Tennessee - 36.5%
  6. Kentucky - 36.5%
  7. Alabama - 36.1%
  8. Michigan - 36.0%
  9. Louisiana - 35.9%
  10. South Carolina - 35.4%

States that are Least Obese

Leading the pack with the lowest obesity rate is Colorado at just 23.8%. Known for its active lifestyle and outdoor recreational opportunities, Colorado manages to uphold an obesity rate nearly half the national average. Following Colorado are Hawaii and Massachusetts with marginally higher rates of 25.0% and 25.2%, respectively. Hawaii benefits from a culture that embraces a healthy diet consisting of fresh fish and fruits, while Massachusetts is known for its robust healthcare initiatives and access to quality food markets. Two of the most populous states in the country, California and New York, also maintain relatively low obesity rates at 26.3% and 27.1%, respectively. As we see, proactive health measures and public initiatives focusing on nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being can significantly help in curtailing the obesity trend. The New England state of Vermont with a rate of 26.6%, and the southernmost state Florida, hosting a rate of 27.0%, also feature in the ten least obese states. Rounding off this list are three states with comparable obesity rates: New Jersey (27.3%), Montana (28.3%), and Washington (28.3%). These regions also place a significant emphasis on promoting healthy lifestyles through various initiatives and access to outdoor activities. States that are Least Obese:

  1. Colorado - 23.8%
  2. Hawaii - 25.0%
  3. Massachusetts - 25.2%
  4. California - 26.3%
  5. Vermont - 26.6%
  6. Florida - 27.0%
  7. New York - 27.1%
  8. New Jersey - 27.3%
  9. Montana - 28.3%
  10. Washington - 28.3%

By Region

Alabama

See Less
Alabama

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

22.1%

#6

Hypertension Rate

43.1%

#48

Alaska

See More
Alaska

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

14.2%

#38

Hypertension Rate

30.3%

#9

Arizona

See More
Arizona

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

14.4%

#36

Hypertension Rate

31.2%

#17

Arkansas

See More
Arkansas

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

19.1%

#12

Hypertension Rate

40.7%

#47

California

See More
California

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

14.4%

#37

Hypertension Rate

28.2%

#3

Colorado

See More
Colorado

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

10.8%

#49

Hypertension Rate

26.3%

#1

Connecticut

See More
Connecticut

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

17.0%

#21

Hypertension Rate

31.5%

#19

Delaware

See More
Delaware

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

16.8%

#22

Hypertension Rate

36.4%

#40

District of Columbia

See More
District of Columbia

Metric

Value

Rank

Florida

See More
Florida

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

16.2%

#24

Hypertension Rate

33.50%

#28

Georgia

See More
Georgia

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

16.8%

#23

Hypertension Rate

37.4%

#41

Hawaii

See More
Hawaii

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

17.1%

#19

Hypertension Rate

29.9%

#7

Idaho

See More
Idaho

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

13.4%

#42

Hypertension Rate

30.5%

#11

Illinois

See More
Illinois

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

16.1%

#25

Hypertension Rate

30.4%

#10

Indiana

See More
Indiana

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

15.5%

#31

Hypertension Rate

34.8%

#34

Iowa

See More
Iowa

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

17.6%

#16

Hypertension Rate

31.9%

#22

Kansas

See More
Kansas

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

13.6%

#40

Hypertension Rate

34.6%

#33

Kentucky

See More
Kentucky

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

25.5%

#2

Hypertension Rate

40.3%

#46

Louisiana

See More
Louisiana

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

24.0%

#3

Hypertension Rate

40.2%

#45

Maine

See More
Maine

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

14.6%

#34

Hypertension Rate

34.1%

#30

Maryland

See More
Maryland

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

20.3%

#11

Hypertension Rate

35.2%

#36

Massachusetts

See More
Massachusetts

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

13.8%

#39

Hypertension Rate

30.8%

#12

Michigan

See More
Michigan

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

17.1%

#20

Hypertension Rate

35.6%

#38

Minnesota

See More
Minnesota

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

13.4%

#43

Hypertension Rate

29.6%

#5

Mississippi

See More
Mississippi

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

23.1%

#4

Hypertension Rate

44.1%

#50

Missouri

See More
Missouri

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

18.9%

#13

Hypertension Rate

35.2%

#35

Montana

See More
Montana

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

10.2%

#50

Hypertension Rate

30.9%

#13

Nebraska

See More
Nebraska

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

13.6%

#41

Hypertension Rate

32.5%

#23

Nevada

See More
Nevada

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

18.2%

#15

Hypertension Rate

32.9%

#24

New Hampshire

See More
New Hampshire

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

15.2%

#32

Hypertension Rate

31.1%

#16

New Jersey

See More
New Jersey

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

16.1%

#26

Hypertension Rate

31.8%

#21

New Mexico

See More
New Mexico

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

20.9%

#9

Hypertension Rate

33.2%

#25

New York

See More
New York

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

15.6%

#30

Hypertension Rate

31.1%

#14

North Carolina

See More
North Carolina

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

21.0%

#8

Hypertension Rate

35.4%

#37

North Dakota

See More
North Dakota

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

12.6%

#46

Hypertension Rate

31.2%

#18

Ohio

See More
Ohio

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

15.8%

#28

Hypertension Rate

36%

#39

Oklahoma

See More
Oklahoma

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

17.5%

#18

Hypertension Rate

39.6%

#44

Oregon

See More
Oregon

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

14.5%

#35

Hypertension Rate

31.1%

#15

Pennsylvania

See More
Pennsylvania

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

16.0%

#27

Hypertension Rate

34.1%

#29

Rhode Island

See More
Rhode Island

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

13.2%

#45

Hypertension Rate

33.4%

#27

South Carolina

See More
South Carolina

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

21.6%

#7

Hypertension Rate

37.9%

#42

South Dakota

See More
South Dakota

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

18.9%

#14

Hypertension Rate

34.2%

#31

Tennessee

See More
Tennessee

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

22.5%

#5

Hypertension Rate

38.1%

#43

Texas

See More
Texas

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

20.7%

#10

Hypertension Rate

33.3%

#26

Utah

See More
Utah

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

12.0%

#47

Hypertension Rate

26.9%

#2

Vermont

See More
Vermont

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

15.7%

#29

Hypertension Rate

29.5%

#4

Virginia

See More
Virginia

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

17.6%

#17

Hypertension Rate

34.5%

#32

Washington

See More
Washington

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

13.3%

#44

Hypertension Rate

30.2%

#8

West Virginia

See More
West Virginia

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

26.0%

#1

Hypertension Rate

43.7%

#49

Wisconsin

See More
Wisconsin

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

14.9%

#33

Hypertension Rate

31.6%

#20

Wyoming

See More
Wyoming

Metric

Value

Rank

Childhood Obesity Rate

11.5%

#48

Hypertension Rate

29.8%

#6

Table

Region ↕Obesity Rates ↕Childhood Obesity Rate ↕Hypertension Rate ↕
Alabama iconAlabama38.3%22.1%43.1%
Alaska iconAlaska32.1%14.2%30.3%
Arizona iconArizona33.2%14.4%31.2%
Arkansas iconArkansas37.4%19.1%40.7%
California iconCalifornia28.1%14.4%28.2%
Colorado iconColorado25%10.8%26.3%
Connecticut iconConnecticut30.6%17.0%31.5%
Delaware iconDelaware37.9%16.8%36.4%
District of Columbia iconDistrict of Columbia24.3%
Florida iconFlorida31.6%16.2%33.50%
Georgia iconGeorgia37%16.8%37.4%
Hawaii iconHawaii25.9%17.1%29.9%
Idaho iconIdaho33.2%13.4%30.5%
Illinois iconIllinois33.4%16.1%30.4%
Indiana iconIndiana37.7%15.5%34.8%
Iowa iconIowa37.4%17.6%31.9%
Kansas iconKansas35.7%13.6%34.6%
Kentucky iconKentucky37.7%25.5%40.3%
Louisiana iconLouisiana40.1%24.0%40.2%
Maine iconMaine33.1%14.6%34.1%
Maryland iconMaryland33.2%20.3%35.2%
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts27.2%13.8%30.8%
Michigan iconMichigan34.5%17.1%35.6%
Minnesota iconMinnesota33.6%13.4%29.6%
Mississippi iconMississippi39.5%23.1%44.1%
Missouri iconMissouri36.4%18.9%35.2%
Montana iconMontana30.5%10.2%30.9%
Nebraska iconNebraska35.3%13.6%32.5%
Nevada iconNevada33.5%18.2%32.9%
New Hampshire iconNew Hampshire30.2%15.2%31.1%
New Jersey iconNew Jersey29.1%16.1%31.8%
New Mexico iconNew Mexico32.4%20.9%33.2%
New York iconNew York30.1%15.6%31.1%
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina34.1%21.0%35.4%
North Dakota iconNorth Dakota35.4%12.6%31.2%
Ohio iconOhio38.1%15.8%36%
Oklahoma iconOklahoma40%17.5%39.6%
Oregon iconOregon30.9%14.5%31.1%
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania33.4%16.0%34.1%
Rhode Island iconRhode Island30.8%13.2%33.4%
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina35%21.6%37.9%
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota36.8%18.9%34.2%
Tennessee iconTennessee38.9%22.5%38.1%
Texas iconTexas35.5%20.7%33.3%
Utah iconUtah31.1%12.0%26.9%
Vermont iconVermont26.8%15.7%29.5%
Virginia iconVirginia35.2%17.6%34.5%
Washington iconWashington31.7%13.3%30.2%
West Virginia iconWest Virginia41%26.0%43.7%
Wisconsin iconWisconsin37.7%14.9%31.6%
Wyoming iconWyoming34.3%11.5%29.8%
Keep reading

Additional Health Datasets

Obesity Rates By Country
Health
World

Obesity Rates By Country

STD Rates By Country
Health
World

STD Rates By Country

Smoking Rates By Country
Health
World

Smoking Rates By Country

Smoking Rates by State
Health
U.S.

Smoking Rates by State

Suicide Rate by Country
Health
World

Suicide Rate by Country

Teen Pregnancy Rates By State
Health
U.S.

Teen Pregnancy Rates By State