The states struggling the most with obesity in the U.S. have been identified as part of the nation’s continuing battle with this health issue.
Obesity levels in the country are a significant concern, described as a public health crisis. A report from 2023 indicated that in 23 states, one in three adults were classified as obese. The definition of ‘obese’ is when an individual’s body mass index (BMI) reaches 30 or higher.
There is also concern for the younger population, as the Obesity Medical Association reported that one in six children is obese.
Although obesity is a widespread issue throughout the nation, certain states exhibit higher levels of obesity and overweight individuals compared to others.
WalletHub conducted a study by examining the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 31 different metrics to determine which states rank as the most unhealthy.
10) Oklahoma
9) Delaware
8) Texas
7) Kentucky
6) Tennessee
5) Alabama
4) Louisiana
3) Arkansas
2) Mississippi
1) West Virginia
Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, offered insights into why these particular states have high obesity rates.
“While losing weight largely hinges on whether an individual chooses to eat healthy foods, limit their calorie intake and exercise consistently, certain states make shedding the pounds easier than others,” he stated.
He continued: “For example, some states are much better at regulating school lunches to make sure they are healthy, and have more opportunities for adults to buy fresh, nutritious ingredients. In addition, while anyone can exercise at home, some states provide far more locations for people to go to work out or play sports.”
The research focused on the most overweight states and the challenges their residents face regarding weight management.
In West Virginia, 42 percent of adults fall into the obese category, with an additional 31 percent classified as overweight. This has contributed to the state having some of the highest rates of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, heart attacks, and high cholesterol in the U.S.
Contributing factors include the fact that West Virginia reports the highest sugary beverage consumption rate among adolescents. Additionally, fewer than half of the residents have access to a healthy food retailer nearby.
In Mississippi, the analysis from WalletHub noted that residents consume less than one serving of fruit daily, and nearly a quarter do the same with vegetables. Despite having an educational system that promotes physical activity among young people, the state still ranks second in the percentage of physically inactive children between the ages of six to 17.
Mississippi also leads in the percentage of physically-inactive adults.