State of Obesity

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By J. Alex- Jan 9, 2024

This marks the 20th annual report on obesity trends and policy solutions in the United States, with significant increases seen in obesity rates among various demographics. TFAH's State of Obesity report, initiated in 2004, highlights a steep rise in adult and child obesity, particularly in communities facing challenges in healthy eating and limited opportunities for physical activity. Recent data reveals a national adult obesity rate of 41.9%, with the highest rates observed in Black and Latino adults, reaching 49.9% and 45.6%, respectively. Rural communities also show higher obesity rates compared to urban and suburban areas.

Child and adolescent obesity rates have surged, affecting nearly 20% of U.S. children aged 2 to 19, based on 2017–2020 NHANES data. These rates have more than tripled since the mid-1970s, with Black and Latino youth experiencing significantly higher rates than their white counterparts.

An analysis of CDC data in 2022 indicates that 22 states have adult obesity rates at or above 35%, up from 19 states in the previous year. A decade ago, no state reported rates at this level. States like West Virginia (41%), Louisiana (40.1%), Oklahoma (40.0%), and Mississippi (39.5%) have the highest adult obesity rates, while the District of Columbia (24.3%), Colorado (25.0%), and Hawaii (25.9%) report the lowest rates.

Photo byLouis HanselonUnsplash

Since TFAH's inaugural report in 2004, national adult obesity rates have risen by 37%, and youth obesity rates by 42%. This underscores obesity as a societal issue shaped by environmental and structural factors beyond individual choices. Resolving this crisis demands addressing economic and structural aspects affecting people's living conditions, employment, transportation, healthcare access, affordable and healthy food availability, and access to places for physical activity.

While progress has been made in understanding obesity as a disease and its prevention, addressing social determinants of health remains crucial. Existing policies such as increased access to nutrition support programs have shown success but require more substantial investments to reach broader populations.

The report recommends policy actions for federal, state, and local officials, including:

• Full funding for CDC's chronic disease and obesity prevention programs nationwide.
• Ensuring healthy meals in schools and expanding access to nutrition support programs like SNAP.
• Implementing front-of-package labeling on food for informed consumer choices.
• Curbing unhealthy food advertising to children through tax reforms.
• Enhancing physical activity opportunities and safety, investing in education for health and physical activities, and funding active transportation projects.
• Expanding health insurance access by Medicaid expansion, making marketplace insurance more affordable, and increasing healthcare screenings for social needs.

[Credit] TFAH