More states are fatter than ever, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In 2022, a record three states had more than 40 percent of their adults classified as obese (West Virginia, Louisiana and Oklahoma) and 19 states had rates above 35 percent.
Thirty states saw their obesity rates rise last year compared to the same period the year before, including the president’s home state of Delaware, where rates rose 11 percent, and New York, where they rose nearly four percent. .
For comparison, only two states (West Virginia and Kentucky) had an obesity rate above 40 percent in 2021, while in 2012 (a decade ago) no state had an obesity rate above 35 percent.
The numbers led CDC experts to say combating obesity was an “urgent priority,” describing it as a “disease” linked to “many factors, including eating patterns, physical activity levels, and sleep routines.” “.
The map above shows the obesity rate by US state in 2022, the latest data available. The data was released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday.
The above data shows the situation of the previous year. Most US states saw their obesity rates increase compared to previous years.
The obesity rate in the United States has taken off compared to a decade ago, when no state had an obesity rate higher than 35 percent. CDC says it’s an “urgent priority” to address the country’s growing waistline
The CDC data was based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which annually surveys a nationally representative group of 400,000 adults to track the nation’s health.
To monitor waist size, the survey calculates participants’ body mass index (BMI) after asking all participants about their weight and height. This data is then used to estimate the obesity rate by state.
Rounding out the five states with the highest obesity rates are Mississippi, 39.5 percent, and Tennessee, 38.9 percent.
No state had an obesity rate below 25 percent, but at the other end of the scale were Colorado, 25 percent, Hawaii, 25.9 percent, Vermont, 26.8 percent, and Massachusetts, 22.9 percent. hundred.
Dr. Karen Hacker, director of the CDC’s Center for Chronic Disease Prevention, said: ‘Our updated maps send a clear message that additional support for obesity prevention and treatment is an urgent priority.
‘Obesity is a disease caused by many factors, including eating patterns, physical activity levels, sleep routines, genetics and certain medications. This means there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
“However, we know that key strategies that work include addressing the underlying social determinants of health, such as access to health care, healthy and affordable foods, and safe places for physical activity.”
The data showed that the obesity rate had increased in all states compared to just a decade ago.
By ethnicity, the data showed that black and Hispanic adults were more likely to fall into the obesity category by state.
Previous data has shown that men are also more likely to be obese than women.
Adults are defined as obese if they have a BMI of 30 or more.
For comparison, a healthy BMI (calculated by dividing weight by height and the answer again by height) is between 18.5 and 24.9.
The measure is flawed because it also often classifies muscular people, such as athletes, as overweight, but health officials say it’s the best they have to track the situation.
The maps above are obesity rates across the United States for the years 2021 (left) and 2020 (right). It showed that Kentucky and West Virginia had the highest rates in the entire United States.
The maps above are for 2019 (left) and 2018 (right). Shows prevalence of obesity in the US during these two years
The maps above are self-reported obesity rates in 2017 (left) and 2016 (right). They show that in 2017, Oklahoma and Iowa saw their rates join the top tier.
The above shows obesity rates by state for 2015 (left) and 2014 (right). Alabama and Louisiana saw their rates increase to the highest categories during this period.
The maps above are for the years 2013 (left) and 2012 (right). They show that during this period, Mississippi and West Virginia saw their obesity rates rise to become the highest in the country.
Obesity increases the risk of a multitude of physical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.
It is already estimated to cost the US healthcare system more than $173 billion each year, while heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, causing more than 647,000 deaths each year.
There is also evidence linking obesity with an increased risk of strokes, serious respiratory infections and 12 different types of cancer.
People with obesity also describe having poor mental health and, in some cases, being stigmatized because of their weight.