These 10 States Have The Highest Rates of Obesity & These 10 Have the Lowest
These 10 States Have The Highest Rates of Obesity & These 10 Have the Lowest
Where Does Your State Rank?
There has long been an epidemic of obesity in the USA, which contributes to serious health implications like sleep apnea, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease, the number one killer. Some states have slipped through the cracks, struggling to address the issue thanks to unhealthy lifestyle traditions spanning generations and negative socioeconomic factors while other states are enjoying exceptional health and quality of life. Here are the ten most obese states and the ten healthiest so we can learn and strive to do better for all Americans.
1. West Virginia
West Virginia takes the inglorious top spot for the highest obesity rate in the country at 42 percent. It also has the highest rate of type-2 diabetes and drug addiction is rampant. Contributing factors are poor access to healthcare and social isolation among the largely rural population.
2. Louisiana
Second on the list is Louisiana with around one out of four adults being considered obese. The problem in this state has been linked to food insecurity with more than 17 percent of children lacking access to healthy food.
3. Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s obesity rate ranks third at 40 percent. This has been largely attributed to the sedentary lifestyle in this state, the reliance on cars, and a high poverty rate reducing access to healthy food options.
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4. Mississippi
Mississippi comes in just barely after Oklahoma at 39.5 percent. The obesity rate here likely has something to do with Southern eating habits which include lots of fatty, high-calorie foods, a lack of education, and high poverty rates.
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5. Tennessee
There does seem to be somewhat of a trend in the South. Tennessee is at 39 percent obesity. Factors include the Southern diet, poor access to healthcare, and a sedentary lifestyle.
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6. Ohio
Ohio is at 38 percent obesity, with the disease keeping 32,000 adults out of the workforce, that’s $20 million in state tax revenue. This exacerbates the problem as it keeps the state poor and unable to invest in health services and education.
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7. Alabama
Alabama comes in at seventh position in terms of obesity. The state’s problem has to do with unhealthy food traditions, poor education, and hot weather that prevents people from exercising.
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8. Indiana
Indiana comes in at number eight with an obesity rate of just under 38 percent. The amount of people who are overweight in this state is a whopping 70 percent. The health impacts of obesity cost the state over 9 billion dollars in 2022.
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9. Delaware
Between 1990 and 2010, the obesity rate in Delaware doubled and it has continued to increase steadily. Today, just under 38 percent of the population is obese due to physical inactivity and a high-sugar diet.
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10. Kentucky
Unsurprisingly, the state whose claim to fame is fried chicken has a high obesity rate of just under 38 percent. It ranks number one for the highest rate of obese children, with genetics, early life influences, and a sedentary lifestyle being contributing factors.
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Now that we’ve covered the most unhealthy states, let’s flip the script and talk about the healthiest.
1. Colorado
Colorado is the least obese state in the country with a rate about 15 percent lower than the national average. Their healthy habits are attributed to the beautiful mountainous setting that inspires people to adopt an active lifestyle.
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2. Vermont
In addition to being one of the least obese states, Vermont is number one in combined health factors. This healthiness is due to a good education system, high public health funding, plenty of family doctors, and a largely insured population.
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3. Massachusetts
The obesity rate in Massachusetts is around 24 percent. That low rate has to do with a high quality of education (the state is home to 114 universities) and very accessible healthcare.
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4. Hawaii
Hawaii ranks low in obesity as well as tobacco use and heart disease, making it one of the healthiest states. That beach lifestyle might just be the extra motivating factor needed to maintain a healthy weight.
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5. California
Another state that prioritizes good health is California. This is largely attributed to socioeconomic factors that give Californians access to healthy food, an active lifestyle, and good education.
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6. New Jersey
In addition to a low obesity rate, The Garden State also has a longer life expectancy than the national average. One of the main factors here is plentiful access to healthcare, a more active lifestyle, and less reliance on cars for transportation.
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7. New Hampshire
New Hampshire ranks low in obesity and high in healthcare access and affordability. Additionally, it’s one of the greenest and least polluted states, all contributing factors to good health.
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8. New York
It’s no surprise that New Yorkers move more–the city is designed for people to walk and take the subway for transportation. However, those healthy habits don’t stop at the city’s borders, the whole state has a relatively low obesity rate and ranks high on other health factors too.
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9. Connecticut
Connecticut ranks third out of the fifty states for healthcare quality and access, contributing to its low obesity rate. Additionally, only about 7 percent of the population is uninsured and much of the population is well-educated and enjoy a high quality of life.
Photo by Christopher Luther on Unsplash
10. Montana
Situated in the Rocky Mountains, Montana is known for its diverse topography, wide open spaces, and clean air, all supporting healthy outdoor lifestyles. There’s also an abundance of healthy food options and a culture of clean eating.
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