Obesity Rates in the US
Obesity remains a significant health concern in the United States, but there are signs of progress. For the first time in over a decade, the number of states with obesity rates of 35% or more has decreased, according to a new report released by the nonprofit group Trust for America’s Health.
Current Obesity Rates
Nineteen states had obesity rates of 35% or higher in 2024, down from 23 states the previous year. The report analyzed data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 2024 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which collects data on health behaviors and chronic conditions in U.S. states and territories. The CDC data showed that 19 states had obesity rates among adults of 35% or higher, 22 states had rates between 30% and 35%, and nine states had obesity rates below 30%. The rates varied from a low of 25% in Colorado to a high of over 40% in West Virginia.
Factors Contributing to Obesity
Obesity is a chronic disease linked to serious health problems, including diabetes, stroke, cancer, and heart disease. In adults, obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. BMI is a calculation based on height and weight. The report suggests that wider use of drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound, which target appetite and slow digestion, could be starting to show up in reported data. Increased support for nutrition assistance programs during the COVID-19 pandemic might also be a factor.
Progress and Challenges
While the decline in obesity rates is positive, "it’s too soon to call it a trend," said Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, president and chief executive for Trust for America’s Health. The report also notes that recent federal funding cuts, staff layoffs, and eliminated programs could endanger the progress made. A U.S. Health and Human Services Department spokesman said in an email that the administration is "encouraged by the new data showing progress in the fight against obesity." The spokesman added that the administration is "restructuring public health programs to eliminate waste, reduce bureaucracy, and redirect resources toward real prevention."
State-by-State Obesity Rates
The report showed that between 2023 and 2024, no state had statistically significant increases or decreases in their obesity rates, after 18 states saw significant increases in the previous five years.
Expert Insights
Aviva Musicus, a science director for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, suggested that the report’s findings could be due to a combination of factors, including the use of new drugs and increased support for nutrition assistance programs. Solveig Cunningham, an Emory University global health expert who specializes in obesity, said that the report’s findings suggest that some interventions may be successful in preventing obesity at the population level.
Conclusion
While obesity remains a significant health concern in the US, the decline in the number of states with obesity rates of 35% or more is a positive sign. However, the progress made is at risk due to recent federal funding cuts and program eliminations. Continued efforts to improve nutrition and boost physical activity are crucial to maintaining and building on the progress made.
FAQs
- What is the current obesity rate in the US?
The overall rate of obesity in the US is high, affecting about 40% of the population. - What is the definition of obesity in adults?
Obesity in adults is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. - What are some factors that may be contributing to the decline in obesity rates?
The report suggests that wider use of drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound, as well as increased support for nutrition assistance programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, may be contributing to the decline in obesity rates. - What are some challenges to maintaining progress in reducing obesity rates?
Recent federal funding cuts, staff layoffs, and eliminated programs could endanger the progress made in reducing obesity rates.
