Obesity in the US 2025
Obesity is one of the most pressing public health challenges in the United States today. Defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, obesity significantly increases the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain types of cancer. In recent decades, rising obesity rates have become a growing concern across the country, affecting both children and adults, and placing a heavy burden on the U.S. healthcare system. Lifestyle changes, economic disparities, and access to healthy food and fitness opportunities all contribute to the nationwide struggle.
As we step into 2025, the latest obesity statistics by state reveal a deepening divide across regions. While some states have managed to slow or reduce obesity rates through targeted health initiatives and policy changes, others continue to see steady increases. The new data paints a clear picture: geography, environment, income, and education play key roles in shaping obesity trends.
Definition of Obesity
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
What is BMI?
- Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person’s height and weight.
- It is used as a screening tool to categorize individuals into weight ranges that may lead to health problems.
BMI Categories (CDC Guidelines):
- Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
- Normal weight: BMI 18.5 – 24.9
- Overweight: BMI 25.0 – 29.9
- Obese: BMI 30.0 and above
- Class 1 (Moderate): BMI 30.0–34.9
- Class 2 (Severe): BMI 35.0–39.9
- Class 3 (Extreme or Morbid): BMI 40.0 or higher
The CDC emphasizes that while BMI is a useful general measure, it does not directly assess body fat, and other factors like age, gender, muscle mass, and medical history should also be considered by healthcare professionals.
US Obesity Statistics 2025
| Measure | Value / States |
|---|---|
| Overall adult obesity (BMI ≥30) | 40.3% |
| Men | 39.2% |
| Women | 41.3% |
| Age 20–39 | 35.5% |
| Age 40–59 | 46.4% |
| Age 60+ | 38.9% |
| Severe obesity (BMI ≥40) | 9.4% overall (men 6.7%, women 12.1%) |
| Highest obesity state | Louisiana: 36.2% |
| Lowest obesity state | Colorado: 20.2% |
National Obesity By US State in 2025
| State / Territory | Obesity (%) |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 35.6 |
| Alaska | 29.8 |
| Arizona | 28.4 |
| Arkansas | 34.5 |
| California | 24.2 |
| Colorado | 20.2 |
| Connecticut | 25.3 |
| Delaware | 29.7 |
| District of Columbia | 22.1 |
| Florida | 26.8 |
| Georgia | 30.7 |
| Hawaii | 22.7 |
| Idaho | 28.6 |
| Illinois | 30.8 |
| Indiana | 31.3 |
| Iowa | 32.1 |
| Kansas | 34.2 |
| Kentucky | 34.6 |
| Louisiana | 36.2 |
| Maine | 30.0 |
| Maryland | 28.9 |
| Massachusetts | 24.3 |
| Michigan | 31.2 |
| Minnesota | 26.1 |
| Mississippi | 35.6 |
| Missouri | 32.4 |
| Montana | 23.6 |
| Nebraska | 31.4 |
| Nevada | 26.7 |
| New Hampshire | 26.3 |
| New Jersey | 25.6 |
| New Mexico | 28.8 |
| New York | 25.0 |
| North Carolina | 30.1 |
| North Dakota | 31.0 |
| Ohio | 29.8 |
| Oklahoma | 33.9 |
| Oregon | 30.1 |
| Pennsylvania | 30.0 |
| Puerto Rico | 29.5 |
| Rhode Island | 26.0 |
| South Carolina | 31.7 |
| South Dakota | 30.4 |
| Tennessee | 33.8 |
| Texas | 32.4 |
| Utah | 24.5 |
| Vermont | 25.1 |
| Virginia | 29.2 |
| Washington | 26.4 |
| West Virginia | 35.6 |
| Wisconsin | 30.7 |
| Wyoming | 29.0 |
The data highlights adult obesity rates (percentage of people with a Body Mass Index [BMI] of 30 or higher) across all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico for the year 2025. Obesity levels vary widely, from a low of 20.2% in Colorado to a high of 36.2% in Louisiana. Southern states such as Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Arkansas consistently show higher rates, often exceeding 34%, indicating region-specific challenges related to lifestyle, access to healthcare, and nutrition.
In contrast, states like California, Massachusetts, New York, and Utah report lower obesity percentages, generally in the 24–26% range. These states tend to have more urban populations, better infrastructure for physical activity, and stronger public health programs. At the very bottom of the list are Colorado, Hawaii, and the District of Columbia, each showing rates around 20–23%, reflecting environments more conducive to healthy living.
This national overview reveals a striking pattern: nearly half the country experiences adult obesity rates above 30%, with regional disparities strongly evident. The Southeast continues to be disproportionately affected, while parts of the West and Northeast appear to be managing the issue more effectively. These variations underline the need for targeted health initiatives that address local conditions and community-specific barriers to wellness.
Top 10 Highest Obesity US State 2025
| Rank | State | Obesity Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisiana | 36.2 |
| 2 | Mississippi | 35.6 |
| 2 | Alabama | 35.6 |
| 2 | West Virginia | 35.6 |
| 5 | Kentucky | 34.6 |
| 6 | Arkansas | 34.5 |
| 7 | Kansas | 34.2 |
| 8 | Oklahoma | 33.9 |
| 9 | Tennessee | 33.8 |
| 10 | Texas / Missouri | 32.4 |
The data shows that obesity remains a serious public health concern in the U.S., with several Southern states topping the list in 2025. Louisiana leads with an adult obesity rate of 36.2%, closely followed by Mississippi, Alabama, and West Virginia, each at 35.6%. The Southeastern region continues to bear a disproportionate burden of obesity, largely driven by limited access to nutritious food, lower levels of physical activity, economic hardship, and healthcare disparities. These systemic issues have made it challenging for residents in these states to adopt and maintain healthier lifestyles.
Interestingly, the top 10 list includes mostly central and southern states, with Texas and Missouri tying at 10th place at 32.4%. This concentration indicates that geographic location is still a strong predictor of obesity prevalence in America. Tackling this issue requires not only education and awareness campaigns but also investments in healthier food systems, community fitness programs, and stronger healthcare access in underserved regions. Without targeted efforts, these numbers are likely to remain high or even increase in the years to come.
Top 10 Lowest Obesity US State 2025
| Rank | State | Obesity Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado | 20.2 |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 22.1 |
| 3 | Hawaii | 22.7 |
| 4 | Montana | 23.6 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 24.3 |
| 6 | Utah | 24.5 |
| 7 | California | 24.2 |
| 8 | New York | 25.0 |
| 9 | Vermont | 25.1 |
| 10 | Connecticut | 25.3 |
In 2025, the states with the lowest obesity rates show a stark contrast to those with the highest. Colorado remains the healthiest state, recording an adult obesity rate of just 20.2%. This is followed closely by the District of Columbia and Hawaii, at 22.1% and 22.7% respectively. These regions benefit from a combination of active lifestyles, better access to recreational spaces, greater health awareness, and policies that promote wellness and preventative care. States in the Northeast, including Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut, also feature on this list, suggesting strong healthcare infrastructure and a culture that supports healthier living.
Most of these states are either coastal or mountainous, offering naturally active environments and encouraging physical activity year-round. Education levels and income brackets in these regions also tend to be higher, which often correlate with better diet and exercise habits. While the national average continues to hover well above 30% in many states, the fact that these ten states are managing to keep obesity rates below 26% shows that with the right public policies and community health initiatives, meaningful progress is possible.
Top 5 U.S. States with Mid-Level Obesity Rates in 2025
| Rank | State | Obesity Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia | 30.7 |
| 2 | Wisconsin | 30.7 |
| 3 | South Dakota | 30.4 |
| 4 | North Carolina | 30.1 |
| 5 | Oregon | 30.1 |
These five states represent the mid-range of obesity rates in the U.S. for 2025, hovering around the 30% mark—neither among the healthiest nor the most affected. Georgia and Wisconsin lead this group with an obesity prevalence of 30.7%, while South Dakota, North Carolina, and Oregon follow closely behind at just above 30%. These states offer a more balanced lens into the national obesity crisis, reflecting a mix of contributing factors that differ by region—urban vs. rural access to healthcare, income levels, cultural food practices, and public health initiatives.
What makes these mid-level states especially important is their potential to either reduce their rates through targeted interventions—or risk sliding into higher-risk categories without action. They sit at a crossroads. For example, Oregon and North Carolina have implemented community health programs in recent years, which may help stabilize their rates. Meanwhile, South Dakota and Wisconsin, which are more rural, face barriers such as food deserts and limited exercise infrastructure. These states serve as valuable case studies for how preventive measures can stop a moderate obesity rate from escalating into a public health emergency.
Obesity Distribution by U.S. Region in 2025
| Region | Average Obesity Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| South | 33.6% |
| Midwest | 31.2% |
| West | 27.6% |
| Northeast | 25.4% |
The 2025 obesity data reveals a clear regional divide across the United States. States in the South—including Louisiana (36.2%), Mississippi (35.6%), and Alabama (35.6%)—record the highest average obesity rate at 33.6%, significantly above the national average. The Midwest follows closely at 31.2%, with states like Missouri (32.4%) and Indiana (31.3%) contributing to this trend. In contrast, the Northeast, home to states like Massachusetts (24.3%) and Vermont (25.1%), maintains the lowest average obesity rate at just 25.4%.
These regional disparities are closely tied to factors such as income, education, rural vs. urban development, access to healthcare, and lifestyle differences. The West, while geographically vast, holds a mid-range average of 27.6%, helped by states like Colorado (20.2%) and Utah (24.5%) that continue to lead in health and wellness initiatives. The data suggests that the South and Midwest may require more targeted public health campaigns and policy changes to address their escalating obesity rates, while the Northeast and West offer successful models of healthier living environments.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
