CDC Releases State-Specific 2018 Data on Adult Obesity Prevalence

CDC Releases State-Specific 2018 Data on Adult Obesity Prevalence

Today, CDC released the 2018 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

In 2018, nine states reported an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35 percent: Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, and West Virginia. This is up from seven states in 2017. 

The maps show self-reported adult obesity prevalence by race, ethnicity, and location using combined 2016-2018 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

In 2018, 9 states reported adult obesity prevalence at or above 35%. Turning the tide on obesity will take a comprehensive effort by all parts of society.

The maps show notable differences by race and ethnicity: 

• 2 states had an obesity prevalence of 35 percent or higher among non-Hispanic white adults. 
• 9 states had an obesity prevalence of 35 percent or higher among Hispanic adults.
• 29 states and the District of Columbia had an obesity prevalence of 35 percent or higher among non-Hispanic black adults.

Combined data from 2016-2018 show notable differences by race and ethnicity. From left to right: obesity prevalence among Non-Hispanic White Adults, Hispanic Adults, and Non-Hispanic Black Adults.

Obesity prevalence also varied by location, ranging from 23.0 percent in Colorado to 39.5 percent in Mississippi and West Virginia.

Adults with obesity are at an increased risk for many serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, poorer mental health, and more. Obesity costs the United States health care system over $147 billion a year. In addition, research has shown that obesity affects work productivity and military readiness. 

Obesity is a complex disease with many risk factors. Differences in obesity may reflect differences in social and economic advantage, behaviors, or community or environmental factors. Neighborhood design, access to healthy, affordable foods and beverages, and access to safe and convenient places for physical activity can all impact obesity. 

“All Americans deserve a fair chance for good health,” says Karen Hacker, M.D., M.P.H., director of CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. “To reduce disparities in obesity, CDC supports state and community programs that strive to help those with the greatest burden and needs.”

CDC works with states, communities and partners to make it easier for Americans to move more and access healthy food where they live, learn, work, and play.

Turning the tide on obesity will take a comprehensive effort by all parts of society. These maps can help by showing where the burden of obesity is greatest. The 2018 obesity maps and latest 2016-2018 race/ethnicity maps are available now. 

For more information on CDC’s work to prevent obesity, please visit:

CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO)

• The Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity
• Adult BMI Calculator
• Data Trends and Maps Database
• DNPAO’s State and Local Programs

Notes on Language and Images: 

We encourage the use of person-first language (e.g., adults with obesity) when discussing topics like obesity and other chronic diseases, as well as respectful images. The Obesity Action Coalition has more information – please see the Guidelines for Media Portrayals of Individuals Affected by Obesity.