In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 most obese states in America in 2023. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of obesity in the U.S., the least obese state in America, the socioeconomic factors of obesity, new weight-loss drugs, innovations in the insulin industry, and the financial cost of obesity, head to 20 Most Obese States in America in 2023.
5. Mississippi
Percentage of Adults with Obesity: 39.1%
The Mississippi Obesity Action Plan has been devised with the mission to reduce the stigma and prevalence of obesity in The Magnolia State. The purpose of the plan is to increase obesity awareness and efforts with the hopes of increased partnerships and innovative solutions, and create a collaborative impact to sustain statewide efforts.
In 2008, Mississippi spent $925 million in healthcare costs directly related to obesity, while the number bumped up to an estimated $3.9 billion in 2018.
4. Oklahoma
Percentage of Adults with Obesity: 39.4%
To address the high prevalence of obesity among the Oklahoma population, the OSDH, along with more than 200 partners from a variety of agencies, worked together to create a state plan of action to address obesity in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma has over 1 million adults that are obese, and obesity and related conditions have contributed to medical expenditures exceeding $1 billion a year in the Sooner State.
3. Alabama
Percentage of Adults with Obesity: 39.9%
The obesity rate in Alabama was as low as 22.6% in 2000 but has exploded to 39.9% since then. Meanwhile, the percentage of adults with obesity in 14 counties of the southeastern state even exceeds 40%. The CDC has given $1.19 million to the state’s Auburn University for its High Obesity Program, to promote healthy eating and active living in these highly obese counties.
The 3 cities that are the most overweight in Alabama are Huntsville, Mobile, and the Birmingham-Hoover metro area.
2. Kentucky
Percentage of Adults with Obesity: 40.3%
Kentucky has the second-highest adult obesity rate in the nation and around 7 out of every 10 Kentucky adults are either overweight or obese. Nearly 14% of the state’s adults are also diagnosed with diabetes and around 40.3% have hypertension, ranking Kentucky fifth for both conditions.
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services received funding of $866,000 from the CDC in 2022, for its State Physical Activity and Nutrition Program.
1. West Virginia
Percentage of Adults with Obesity: 40.6%
With an adult obesity rate of 40.6%, West Virginia is the most obese state per capita in the U.S. The eastern state has also been ranked as the worst public health state and worst healthcare state by US News. The African American community of West Virginia has the highest obesity rate for any race in the state, with 41.2%. The healthcare costs related to obesity in the Mountain State are estimated to be around $2.4 billion a year. West Virginia University received funding of $648,000 in 2022 from the CDC, for its High Obesity Program.
Hence, West Virginia is the state with the highest obesity rate in America in 2023.
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