Obesity rate in America
This 2024 edition is the 20th annual report on the history and prevalence of obesity in the United States, as well as policy solutions.
Since TFAH first published its Obesity Report in 2004, obesity rates among adults, children, and adolescents have increased sharply, especially in communities that face barriers to obesity, with a healthy diet and few opportunities for physical activity.
(Washington, DC - September 21, 2023) – Over the past two decades, obesity rates have increased in all populations, with some populations of color having the highest rates, often due to structural barriers to healthy eating and a lack of opportunities and places for physical activity.
Nationwide, 41.9% of adults are obese. Black and Latino adults have the highest obesity rates, 49.9%, and 45.6%, respectively. People living in rural areas have higher rates of obesity than people living in urban and suburban areas.
According to TFAH's analysis of the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, in 2022, 22 states had obesity rates in adults at or above 35%, compared to 19 states the previous year. Ten years ago, no state had an adult obesity rate at or above 35%. West Virginia (41%), Louisiana (40.1%), Oklahoma (40.0%), and Mississippi (39.5%) have the highest obesity rates in adults. The District of Columbia (24.3%), Colorado (25.0%), and Hawaii (25.9%) had the lowest adult obesity rates. (Rates by state in 2021 vs. 2022).
Increased investment in obesity prevention is needed
Since the first TFAH report was published in 2004, the national adult obesity rate has increased by 37% and the youth obesity rate has increased by 37%. The national annual increase was 37%, up 42%.
The widespread increase shows that obesity is a society-wide and population-wide problem, meaning it stems from social and environmental factors that are often beyond individual choice.
Solving the country's obesity crisis will require addressing economic and structural factors that impact where people live and their access to jobs, transportation, health care, and food. healthy, affordable, and a place to exercise.
Over the past 20 years, there have been significant advances in understanding obesity as a disease and how to prevent it, including the role of social determinants of health and health inequalities in increasing obesity rates.
Many obesity-related policies and programs have been implemented, such as increasing access to and benefits of nutrition support programs, which have proven effective but require increased investment. to reach more people and communities.
To halt the decades-long trend of rising obesity rates, we must recognize that the obesity crisis is rooted in economic, health, and environmental inequities. Ensuring all people and communities have equal opportunity and access to healthy food and physical activity is fundamental to addressing this crisis.
Eliminating obesity is important because is associated with a variety of diseases, most notably Type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, stroke, sleep apnea, arthritis, and heart disease. Obesity is estimated to increase U.S. health care spending is $170 billion per year (including billions from Medicare and Medicaid).
Recommended policy actions to address the obesity crisis
- The report includes recommendations for policy actions that federal, state, and local officials as well as Other stakeholders should take action, including:
- Fully fund the CDC for proven chronic disease and obesity. prevention programs so they can reach all states.
- Provide healthy school meals for all students and increase access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other nutrition support programs.
- Implement a mandatory labeling system on food packaging to help consumers make informed choices. Close tax loopholes and eliminate business expense deductions related to advertising unhealthy foods to children.
- Make physical activity and the built environment safer and more accessible for all, including by increasing federal education funding for physical education and health and investing in active transportation projects such as pedestrian and bike paths.
- Increase access to health insurance by expanding Medicaid, making marketplace coverage more affordable, and expanding health screening for societal needs.
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