This article will look at the 25 states with the highest obesity rates in the United States. If you’re not interested in a full review of obesity and pertinent medicines, skip ahead to the 5 States With America’s Highest Obesity Rates.
Several states in the United States are grappling with disturbingly high obesity rates, a critical public health matter that has received significant attention. These states face a complex interaction of economical, cultural, and environmental variables that contribute to obesity prevalence among their populations. In this quick review, we will look at the states that bore the brunt of the cost of these high obesity rates, providing light on the particular issues they face and the efforts being taken to address this essential health issue.
Obesity’s Alarming Rise in the United States: A Multifaceted Challenge
According to the most recent CDC statistics, which spans from 2017 to March 2020, the prevalence of obesity in the United States has risen to 41.9%, up from 30.5% in 1999-2000. Furthermore, according to current CDC statistics for the year 2022, three states, notably Louisiana, Oklahoma, and West Virginia, had an obesity prevalence of more than 40%. Regionally, the Midwest and South had the greatest rates, with prevalence values of 35.8% and 35.6%, respectively.
A projection research published in the New England Journal of Medicine predicts a continuous increase in state-level adult obesity and severe obesity rates from 1990 to 2030, highlighting the disturbing trend of growing obesity rates.
Several causes contribute to this growing public health problem. Changes in eating choices and physical activity patterns are critical. Because of changes in transportation, work dynamics, and leisure interests, the availability of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and beverages has grown, while physical activity levels have decreased. Genetics also play a role, since some people may have a hereditary predisposition to fat.
Obesity rates are tightly linked to socioeconomic factors such as income and educational achievement. Obesity is more likely in people with lower wages and less education, according to research.
Obesity has a significant economic impact aside from health. Obesity costs the United States $147-210 billion in medical bills per year, as well as $3.38 – $6.38 billion in lost productivity. According to George Washington University and the Harvard School of Public Health, if present trends continue, these expenses might grow by $43 to $66 billion by 2030.
Changing Market Dynamics: The Impact of Novel Anti-Obesity Medications
The introduction of new anti-obesity treatments has resulted in a considerable increase in the stocks of weight reduction drug businesses. Among these treatments are Novo Nordisk A/S’s (NYSE:NVO) Ozempic and Eli Lilly and Company’s (NYSE:LLY) Mounjaro, both of which have been approved for the treatment of obesity. Wegovy, a close competitor to Ozempic from Novo Nordisk, has also shown good outcomes in clinical studies.
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) reported $7.2 billion in sales for the second quarter of 2023, a 7% rise year on year, with net income of $1.9 billion ($2.20 per share). The business boosted its revenue projection for 2023 to $29.0-$29.5 billion and has a robust pipeline of 15 late-stage potential medicines, focusing on innovation. Eli Lilly & Company (NYSE:LLY) is deliberately developing in emerging countries, notably China, and has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2030, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.
Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) increased revenues by 7% in local currencies and 4% in Danish kroner in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period the previous year, while operating profit increased by 9% in local currencies and 6% in Danish kroner. Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen, the company’s CEO, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to long-term financial goals. In local currency, the diabetes and obesity care business increased revenues by 7%, while the biopharmaceuticals division increased sales by 6%. The attractive R&D pipeline of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) includes a once-weekly insulin for type 2 diabetes and an obesity therapy.
These novel medications have the potential to alter consumer choices by decreasing demand for unhealthy meals while increasing interest in sports brands. As a result, the success of weight reduction medications such as Ozempic may have a disruptive effect on the stock market.
These drugs can alter consumer behavior by making unhealthy diets less appealing and increasing interest in fitness-related items. These advances have a wide-ranging influence, helping medicine producers such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly as well as sports brands while potentially harming enterprises that market unhealthy foods. As a result, the financial outlooks and investments of these companies are subject to change dependent on the success of these treatments.
The worldwide obesity market was valued at $15 billion in 2022. However, it is expected to develop rapidly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% throughout the projection period, reaching $32.5 billion by 2030.
Our Procedures
We ranked the states with the greatest obesity rates in America based on their adult obesity rates for 2021 (age-adjusted (2000 std.pop)). We rely on NORC for data accuracy. It should be noted that the data is based on self-reported weight and height, and a BMI of 30 or more is deemed obese.
Here is our list of the 25 states in America with the highest obesity rates.
25. Maryland’s total obesity rate is 42.7%.
Maryland has a high prevalence of obesity, with an age-adjusted rate of 42.7%. The black population in Maryland is a big demographic that is obese. The state’s high obesity rates are attributed to a lack of availability to nutritious food, poverty, and a lack of physical exercise. Maryland is aggressively addressing this issue through initiatives that encourage healthy lives, improved food access, and educational resources.
24. Pennsylvania’s total obesity rate is 43.1%.
Obesity statistics in Pennsylvania are concerning, with a 43.1% prevalence. More than one-third of the residents in the state are obese, with just two counties having rates below 30%. These figures emphasize the state’s obesity problem, indicating the possible financial ramifications of higher healthcare bills and lost productivity.
23. Georgia’s total obesity rate is 43.6%.
Georgia’s obesity rate is 43.6%. Obesity is associated with chronic illnesses and is related to poverty and education, with nearly 40% of persons in Georgia earning less than $15,000 per year being fat. To counteract this problem, preventative and intervention measures should include healthy nutrition, improved access to nutritious meals, and physical exercise, as well as addressing socioeconomic determinants of health.
22. Wisconsin’s total obesity rate is 44.8%.
Wisconsin’s high obesity rates demand preventive actions. Education, availability to fresh meals, and chances for physical activity are critical in fighting this condition.
21. North Carolina’s total obesity rate is 45%.
Obesity is prevalent in North Carolina, offering both health and financial consequences. Despite this, the state has a vibrant commercial climate that allows businesses to encourage healthy lifestyles. The CDC awarded the state more than $1.7 million in 2022 to tackle obesity.
20. Delaware’s total obesity rate is 45%.
Obesity is a risk factor for a variety of health conditions, and Delaware’s obesity-related mortality rates are greater than the national average. Obesity rates are growing due to sedentary lifestyles and an abundance of food. Delaware is dealing with a severe public health issue.
19. South Carolina’s total obesity rate is 45.7%.
With a 45.7% obesity percentage, South Carolina ranks 19th among the most obese states in the United States. Less physical activity, sugary beverage intake, and obesity-related health disorders are all factors contributing to the problem. Obesity has an estimated economic impact of $8.5 billion in South Carolina, and it is on the rise. To combat this issue, the state’s Department of Health has developed an Obesity Action Plan.
18. Michigan’s total obesity rate is 46.1%.
Michigan’s high obesity rates demand action and education. To encourage healthy lives, targeted initiatives should suit the distinct requirements of Michigan’s varied population.
17. Texas has a total obesity rate of 46.1%.
With a 46.1% obesity incidence, Texas has a serious obesity issue. The epidemic has aggravated the problem in black and Latino communities. In Texas, childhood obesity is likewise on the rise.
16. Missouri’s total obesity rate is 46.2%.
Missouri has one of the highest obesity percentages in the country. Childhood obesity is also a major issue. Obesity rates are exacerbated by socioeconomic variables such as poverty and racial inequality. Obesity rates in Missouri are rising, with an estimated cost of $13 billion by 2030.
15. Nebraska’s total obesity rate is 46.3%.
With a 46.3% obesity percentage, Nebraska confronts a moderate obesity issue. 13.8% of children are obese as youngsters. Healthy eating promotion, increased food access, and education are all prevention and intervention techniques. To address the issue, the Nebraska Center for Prevention of Obesity Diseases conducts research with over $100 million in grants and contributions.
14. Total Obesity Rate in Ohio: 46.7%
With a 46.7% obesity prevalence, Ohio ranks 14th on our list of the most obese states in the United States. The state also has a high proportion of overweight children, obese adults, and hypertensive adults. Latino children in Ohio are more likely than white children to be overweight or obese. Obesity rates are higher in the Black and Hispanic groups.
13. North Dakota’s total obesity rate is 47.3%.
North Dakota has one of the highest obesity rates in the US, at 47.3%. According to recent data, all 53 counties in North Dakota have shown increased obesity rates over the last decade. Approximately 26% of white individuals in the state were obese in 2021.
12. Indiana’s total obesity rate is 47.3%.
Indiana has the 12th highest obesity percentage in the United States, at 47.3%. Obesity is expected to cost the economy $9.3 billion by 2022. Obesity rates remain high, particularly in places with barriers to good eating and little opportunities for physical activity. The CDC awarded Indiana $618,000 in 2022 to battle obesity.
11. Kansas’s total obesity rate is 47.4%.
Kansas has a substantial obesity problem, with a rate of more than 47.4%. Policies that promote healthy settings, increased access to nutritious foods, and safe exercise facilities can all assist to lower obesity rates. Furthermore, around 11% of individuals in Kansas have diabetes, with rural regions generally bearing the brunt of the consequences owing to insufficient resources.
10. Tennessee’s total obesity rate is 47.5%.
Tennessee has a 47.5% obesity rate, placing tenth among the most obese states in the US. For more than two decades, childhood obesity has been on the rise. The state is in the top ten in the country in terms of overweight and obesity. In 2022, the state was awarded a $585,212 CDC funding to promote healthy eating and active living in high-obesity areas.
9. South Dakota’s total obesity rate is 47.6%.
The state of South Dakota has a 47.6% obesity rate. Obesity rates are considerably greater in low-income homes in South Dakota, particularly among children aged 2 to 5. South Dakota State University was awarded a $440,000 CDC grant to encourage healthy eating and physical activity in the state’s most obese counties.
8. Iowa’s total obesity rate is 47.6%.
Iowa has one of the highest obesity rates in the country, at 47.6%. Given the increasing incidence of obesity, public health measures are required. The Iowa Institute of Public Health Research and Policy collaborated with Healthy LifeStars, a nationwide non-profit organization devoted to the abolition of childhood obesity.
7. Total Obesity Rate in Louisiana: 47.9%
Louisiana suffers a serious obesity problem, with over half of its inhabitants obese, ranking eighth in the United States. Food insecurity is widespread, restricting access to nutritious foods. Cultural influences, such as decadent cuisine, add to the problem. The Louisiana Obesity and Diabetes Collaborative seeks to improve health outcomes associated with obesity and diabetes by raising awareness and providing patient support.
6. Kentucky’s total obesity rate is 48.8%.
Kentucky ranks sixth in America in terms of obesity prevalence, with 48.78% of its age-adjusted population afflicted. Adults are expected to incur $147 billion in medical expenses. The CDC awarded the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services $866,000 for its State Physical Activity and Nutrition Program in 2022.
5. Arkansas’s total obesity rate is 48.9%.
With an obesity percentage of roughly 48.9%, Arkansas is routinely ranked as one of the most obese states in the United States. The Arkansas Obesity Task Force creates efforts to encourage healthy living, such as the Mayors Mentoring Mayors program. Many of the state’s adult population lacks good eating habits and physical activity, which contributes to the state’s high obesity rates.
4. Oklahoma’s total obesity rate is 49.5%.
Oklahoma is one of the top ten most obese states in the US, with a significant increase in obesity rates over the last two years, reaching 49.5%. Obesity affects over half of Oklahoma’s population. Obesity-related diseases account for more than $1 billion in medical spending in Oklahoma each year.
3. Total Obesity in Alabama: 49.9%
With a high obesity percentage of 49.9%, Alabama ranks third among the top states. Childhood obesity is also on the rise. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of chronic illnesses, hence reducing it is critical for the state’s general health. To fight this, Auburn University got $1.19 million from the CDC for its High Obesity Program, which targets the state’s most obese counties.
2. West Virginia’s total obesity rate is 51%.
West Virginia has a 51% obesity rate. The state also has high incidence of linked health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. To address these difficulties, public health initiatives that focus on boosting access to healthy food, opportunities for physical exercise, and obesity prevention and treatment programs are necessary. The CDC awarded West Virginia University $648,000 in 2022 for its High Obesity Program.
1. Mississippi’s total obesity rate is 51%.
Mississippi has the highest obesity percentage in the United States, at 51%. The Mississippi State Department of Health is tackling this issue in partnership with the CDC and local stakeholders. Obesity in the state can be ascribed to a variety of causes, including a lack of healthy dietary options, sedentary lifestyles, and cultural influences. Combating this problem requires public health campaigns that promote healthy habits and policies that provide access to nutritional food. As of 2018, Mississippi’s obesity-related healthcare expenses were expected to reach $3.9 billion.
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Source: Yahoo Finance
