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The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that the prevalence of adult obesity in the United States remains alarmingly high. In 2023, 23 states reported that more than one in three adults (35% or more) has obesity, a significant increase compared to a decade ago when no state had reached this level. Additionally, every U.S. state now reports that at least one in five adults (20%) is living with obesity.

Growing Need for Prevention and Treatment

“These new data highlight the need for obesity prevention and treatment options, which start with building healthier communities where people of all ages have safe places for physical activity, and where health care and healthy food options are accessible and affordable for all,” stated Karen Hacker, MD, MPH, Director of CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Hacker emphasized the importance of obesity prevention at young ages, noting that children with obesity often become adults with obesity.

Obesity Rates Vary by State, Race, and Ethnicity

The 23 states with the highest adult obesity rates (35% or higher) are Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Additionally, Guam and Puerto Rico have obesity rates of at least 35%.

Obesity impacts certain racial and ethnic groups more than others:

• Asian adults: No state reports an obesity prevalence at or above 35%.
• White adults: 16 states report an obesity prevalence at or above 35%.
• American Indian or Alaska Native adults: 30 states report an obesity prevalence at or above 35%.
• Hispanic adults: 34 states report an obesity prevalence at or above 35%.
• Black adults: 38 states report an obesity prevalence at or above 35%.

“Obesity is a complex disease,” said Ruth Petersen, MD, Director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. “There's a common misconception that obesity results from a lack of willpower. Many factors, including genetics, medications, sleep quality, gut microbiome, stress, and access to affordable food and healthcare, contribute to obesity.”

CDC’s Commitment to Reducing Obesity

To address the obesity epidemic, the CDC partners with communities, states, and tribes to improve health outcomes and reduce obesity rates among high-risk populations. Programs like SPAN (State Physical Activity and Nutrition Program), HOP (High Obesity Program), and REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health) focus on increasing access to healthy food, establishing safe places for physical activity, and promoting stigma-free obesity prevention and treatment.

These programs currently fund efforts in 17 states, 50 community and tribal organizations, and 16 land grant universities. Treatment for obesity can also include newly approved medications, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, alongside behavioral and lifestyle interventions.

Health Implications and Social Impact

Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher and is associated with various health conditions, including asthma, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and severe respiratory illness outcomes. Beyond physical health, the stigma surrounding obesity can lead to significant social and mental health consequences, such as anxiety and poor body image.

As obesity rates continue to rise, there is an urgent need for comprehensive strategies that include access to healthy food, safe physical activity environments, and effective treatment options. Building healthier communities where all individuals have the resources they need to lead active, healthy lives is crucial to reversing this growing trend.

By AUTISM LATINO MAGAZINE in Association with BLOCK WORK MEDIA GROUP

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data source: New CDC Data Show Adult Obesity Prevalence Remains High | CDC Newsroom