New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that adult obesity continues to rise.

Twelve states now have an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35%: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. This is up from nine states in 2018and just six states in 2017. 

• All states and territories had more than 20% of adults with obesity.
• 20% to less than 25% of adults had obesity in 1 state (Colorado) and the District of Columbia.
• 25% to less than 30% of adults had obesity in 13 states.
• 30% to less than 35% of adults had obesity in 23 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
• 35% or more adults had obesity in 12 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia).
• The Midwest (33.9%) and South (33.3%) had the highest prevalence of obesity, followed by the Northeast (29.0%), and the West (27.4%).

Rates are significantly higher among African Americans.

• 34 states and the District of Columbia had an obesity prevalence of 35% or higher among non-Hispanic Black adults.
• 15 states had an obesity prevalence of 35% or higher among Hispanic adults.
• 6 states had an obesity prevalence of 35% or higher among non-Hispanic White adults.

In Washington state, the rate was 28%.