Nineteen states and two territories have at least 35% of residents with adult obesity – more than doubling the number of states with a high obesity prevalence since 2018 – according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The 2021 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps also highlight the need to address disparities in obesity across states and racial and ethnic populations, through increased access to obesity prevention and treatment.
Combined data from 2019–2021 show the number of states and territories with an obesity prevalence of 35 percent or higher varies widely across race and ethnicity:
- American Indian or Alaska Native adults: 31 states
- Asian adults: 0 states
- Black adults: 36 states and the District of Columbia
- Hispanic adults: 27 states and Guam
- White adults: 10 states
State-based adult obesity prevalence by race, ethnicity, and location is based on self-reported height and weight data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
Adults with obesity are at increased risk for many other serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, severe outcomes from COVID-19, and poor mental health. Additionally, many people with obesity report being stigmatized because of their weight.
These findings highlight the importance of equitable access to prevention and treatment. Supporting adults with obesity and its related health issues will take a sustained, comprehensive effort from all parts of society to reduce disparities and improve the health of our communities. In addition, obesity is a disease for which treatment options exist, including proven weight management programs, medications, and bariatric surgery. However, there is inequitable access to proven obesity treatment in the United States.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in many people’s lives and habits that have the potential to affect their weight positively or negatively. To ensure health equity, states and communities using these data to prioritize actions will need to address health disparities and social determinants of health such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, healthy and affordable food, and safe and convenient places to be physically active. Individuals who are worried about excess weight should talk with their healthcare provider about their concerns, family history of chronic disease, current lifestyle, and other health risks.
