It seems like everyone is on weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy these days, but around two in five American adults are still obese. That’s defined as having a body mass index of 30 or above, according to the CDC, and the condition is linked to a higher risk for medical issues like sleep apnea, infertility, depression, stroke, diabetes and even cancer. But some parts of the country have higher rates of obesity than others and new research reveals where it’s worst.
- “U.S. News & World Report” has ranked the most obese states in the U.S., based on survey data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
- Overall, 39 states have obesity rates of 30% or more and three are over 40%.
- So, what is the most obese state in the country? West Virginia tops the list, with more than 41% of the state’s adults classified as obese.
- The report also highlights the states with the lowest obesity rates and Colorado is number one with 24.6%.
- Hawaii has the second-lowest, at 26.8%, followed by Massachusetts, with 27.1%, California, with 27.7%, and New York rounds out the top five with 27.9%.
The 10 States with the Highest Obesity Rates
- West Virginia (41.7%)
- Arkansas (40.5%)
- Mississippi (40.4%)
- Louisiana (39.9%)
- Alabama (39.4%)
- Oklahoma (39%)
- Iowa (37.9%)
- Kentucky (37.8%)
- Indiana (37.8%)
- Tennessee (37.8%)
Source: NY Post