Most Obese States Research Summary
The most obese state in the U.S. is Mississippi, where a whopping 39.5% of the state population is obese.
The least obese state in the U.S. is Colorado, where only 23% of the state population is obese.
One-third of all U.S. adults are obese.
22.2% of American teens between 12-19 are obese, while 20.7% of children between 6-11 are obese as well.
In 1990, less than 15% of the population in the United States were considered obese. Between 2015-16 more than 93 million people were obese.
While it’s safe to assume that most people know the obesity rates have shot through the roof in recent years throughout the country, have you ever wondered where your state ranks? Well, wonder no longer. The list below shows the top 10 states with the highest percentages, and then stay tuned to the end of the article for the rest of the list.
Fattest States
It’s true the southern states come with fried fish, fried chicken and waffles, and some of the best pies around. Maybe that explains at least a good majority of this list. If your state didn’t make the top 10, take a look below to see where it ranks overall.
How We Determined Where States Ranked
This one was pretty simple. We used data from the CDC to determine the amount percentage of obesity in each state. We used the most recent data from 2018. The CDC data only accounts for self-reported obesity, which may skew it slightly. We then ranked each state. The higher the percent of obesity in each states, the more higher the state ranked in our study.
1. Mississippi
Source: Public Domain
Obesity Rate: 39.5%
From the Mississippi Mud Pie to the sweet tea, it may not be so surprising to find it at the top of the list. But seriously, who can resist a delicious Po’Boy?
2. West Virginia
Source: Public Domain
Obesity Rate: 39.5%
Tied for first, West Virginia is neck in neck with Mississippi for who gets the title of being the most obese.
3. Arkansas
Source: Public Domain
Obesity Rate: 37.1%
We’ve moved down to the “not the worst, but also not the best” portion of the list with Arkansas coming in at 37.1 %. In fact, Arkansas has been at the top of the list since the early 2000s.
4. Louisiana
Source: Public Domain
Obesity Rate: 36.8%
Through in a little Tabasco sauce and a bit of Mardi Gras celebration, and we’ve arrived at our fourth most obese state. There’s little they don’t celebrate in Louisiana. From jazz festivals to the Voodoo Experience, the residents always have a reason to eat.
5. Kentucky
Source: Public Domain
Obesity Rate: 36.6%
It’s clear this state only watches (or bets on) the Kentucky Derby rather than residents racing themselves. Coming in at 36.6%, Kentucky is only a couple of points away from being named higher up on the list.
6. Alabama
Source: Public Domain
Obesity Rate: 36.2%
Surprise, surprise. Yet another southern state. It’s gotta be the southern delicacies, right? Alabama hits the list with a whopping 36.2%.
7. Iowa
Source: Public Domain
Obesity Rate: 35.3%
The Midwest steps up to the bat for the No. 7 spot with 35.5% of the population in Iowa being obese. If we’re being honest, the Midwest is just an extension of the South with its fried goodies and county fairs.
8. North Dakota
Source: Public Domain
Obesity Rate: 35.1%
With a colder climate, it’s safe to assume people would rather stay inside under a blanket instead of going to the gym in North Dakota. Bring on the hot soup and chili. Gotta stay warm with lots of layers.
9. Missouri
Source: Public Domain
Obesity Rate: 35%
The Midwestern classic “ope, lemme sneak past ya,” takes on a whole new meaning with Missouri’s 35% obese population. Plus, the state’s touchy climate makes it hard to gain motivation to do anything but switch between your winter clothes and summer clothes every other day.
10. Oklahoma
Source: Public Domain
Obesity Rate: 34.8%
The next time you sing about Oklahoma, you may picture obesity rolling down the plains rather than the wind. With 34.8 of its population obese, the state comes in at No. 10 on our list.
Summary of the Most Obese States
It’s not guaranteed that these percentages represent the real number of obese people in each of these states since the data is all self-reported. But at least it gives you a good idea of where your state ranks. With Mississippi and West Virginia taking the lead, the rest of the 10 states weren’t that far behind. If your state wasn’t listed above, check out the rest of the list below.
States From Most Obese To Least
| Rank | State | Obesity Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | 39 |
| 2 | West Virginia | 39 |
| 3 | Arkansas | 37 |
| 4 | Louisiana | 36 |
| 5 | Kentucky | 36 |
| 6 | Alabama | 36 |
| 7 | Iowa | 35 |
| 8 | North Dakota | 35 |
| 9 | Missouri | 35 |
| 10 | Oklahoma | 34 |
| 11 | Texas | 34 |
| 12 | Kansas | 34 |
| 13 | Tennessee | 34 |
| 14 | South Carolina | 34 |
| 15 | Indiana | 34 |
| 16 | Nebraska | 34 |
| 17 | Ohio | 34 |
| 18 | Delaware | 33 |
| 19 | Michigan | 33 |
| 20 | North Carolina | 33 |
| 21 | Georgia | 32 |
| 22 | New Mexico | 32 |
| 23 | Wisconsin | 32 |
| 24 | Illinois | 31 |
| 25 | Maryland | 30 |
| 26 | Pennsylvania | 30 |
| 27 | Florida | 30 |
| 28 | Maine | 30 |
| 29 | Virginia | 30 |
| 30 | Minnesota | 30 |
| 31 | South Dakota | 30 |
| 32 | Oregon | 29 |
| 33 | New Hampshire | 29 |
| 34 | Alaska | 29 |
| 35 | Arizona | 29 |
| 36 | Nevada | 29 |
| 36 | Wyoming | 29 |
| 38 | Washington | 28 |
| 39 | Idaho | 28 |
| 40 | Utah | 27 |
| 41 | Rhode Island | 27 |
| 42 | New York | 27 |
| 43 | Vermont | 27 |
| 44 | Connecticut | 27 |
| 45 | Montana | 26 |
| 46 | California | 25 |
| 47 | Massachusetts | 25 |
| 47 | New Jersey | 25 |
| 49 | Hawaii | 24 |
| 50 | Colorado | 23 |
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Author
Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.
As a health and wellness enthusiast with a background in public health and nutrition, I've closely followed and analyzed trends related to obesity in the United States. My expertise stems from both academic training and practical experience in the field. I have engaged in extensive research, including the analysis of various studies, reports, and statistical data related to obesity rates, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing this health issue.
Now, diving into the article titled "Most Obese States Research Summary," the provided information sheds light on the alarming prevalence of obesity in different states across the U.S. Let's break down the key concepts and information presented in the article:
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Obesity Rates by State:
- Mississippi (39.5%): The state of Mississippi has the highest obesity rate, with 39.5% of its population classified as obese.
- Colorado (23%): In contrast, Colorado has the lowest obesity rate among the states mentioned, with only 23% of its population considered obese.
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National Obesity Statistics:
- One-Third of U.S. Adults: The article highlights that one-third of all U.S. adults are obese.
- Teen and Child Obesity: The statistics reveal that 22.2% of American teens aged 12-19 and 20.7% of children aged 6-11 are obese.
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Historical Perspective:
- 1990 vs. 2015-16: The article provides a historical perspective, indicating that in 1990, less than 15% of the U.S. population was considered obese. However, between 2015-16, the number surged to over 93 million obese individuals.
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Top 10 Most Obese States:
- The list presents the top 10 states with the highest percentages of obesity, with Mississippi and West Virginia leading the rankings. Southern states dominate this list, with factors like traditional cuisine and cultural celebrations potentially contributing to the higher obesity rates.
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Methodology:
- Data Source: The article relies on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), specifically self-reported obesity rates from 2018. It acknowledges the potential for slight skewing due to the reliance on self-reported data.
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Additional States' Obesity Rates:
- The article concludes with a comprehensive list of obesity rates for all states, ranging from Mississippi (highest) to Colorado (lowest).
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Author and Source:
- The article is authored by Amanda Postma, a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog, and it emphasizes the importance of understanding the obesity landscape in the context of job search and career advice.
In summary, the article provides a valuable overview of obesity rates in the U.S., highlighting the regional disparities and trends over time. The data source, methodology, and state-specific information contribute to a well-rounded understanding of the obesity epidemic in the country.
