A new report from Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) highlights a slight national improvement in adult obesity rates, though overall prevalence remains high across the United States. The report, The State of Obesity: 2025, draws on data from the CDC and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
In 2024, 19 states reported adult obesity rates at or above 35%, compared to 23 states in 2023. Still, more than 4 in 10 U.S. adults have obesity, and rates among children and adolescents (ages 2–19) continue to increase — now affecting more than 21% of that age group.
National Highlights
- Highest obesity rates: West Virginia (41.4%), Mississippi (40.4%), and Louisiana (39.2%)
- Lowest obesity rates: Colorado (25%), Hawaii (27%), Massachusetts (27%), and the District of Columbia (25.5%)
- Disparities: Obesity rates were 49.9% among Black adults and 45.6% among Latino adults
- Rural vs. urban: Individuals living in rural areas tend to have higher obesity rates than those in metropolitan regions
- Education and income: Lower obesity rates are associated with higher education and household income levels
Alabama Snapshot
According to the TFAH Alabama Fact Sheet, 39.2% of Alabama adults were classified as having obesity in 2023. While this rate is slightly below the nation’s highest levels, it remains among the top third of states nationally. TFAH notes that Alabama continues to face challenges related to nutrition access, physical inactivity, and chronic disease prevention, all of which contribute to ongoing public health disparities.
TFAH also emphasizes that these findings come at a time when federal funding for key public health programs remains uncertain. The report offers policy recommendations to enhance prevention programs, expand access to healthy food, and support community-based initiatives addressing obesity and related conditions.
Resources: Trust for America’s Health, Alabama state fact sheet, Best, worst US states for obesity: Report