The 10 Most Obese States in the U.S. (and the Least Obese)

Obesity Rates in the U.S.: A Summary

Mississippi has the highest obesity rate in the U.S., with 39.5% of its population classified as obese.

Colorado boasts the lowest obesity rate, with only 23% of its residents being obese.

Approximately one-third of all U.S. adults are classified as obese.

Among American teens aged 12-19, 22.2% are obese, while 20.7% of children aged 6-11 fall into the same category.

In 1990, less than 15% of the U.S. population was classified as obese. By 2016, more than 93 million adults were considered obese. These numbers reflect ongoing trends that have persisted into recent years.

While many are aware that obesity rates have surged in recent years, you may be curious about how your state stacks up. The following list details the top 10 states with the highest obesity rates, along with additional rankings at the conclusion of the article.

Fattest States

The southern states are known for their rich culinary traditions, which may contribute to these high rates. If your state isn’t listed among the top 10, continue reading to see where it ranks overall.

Methodology for Ranking States

We utilized data from the CDC to assess obesity rates across states, relying on the most recent figures available from 2021. It’s important to note that this data is based on self-reported obesity, which may introduce some bias. States were then ranked according to their obesity percentages, with higher obesity rates resulting in a higher ranking.

1. Mississippi

Mississippi

Source: Public Domain

Obesity Rate: 39.5%
From Mississippi Mud Pie to sweet tea, it’s no wonder it tops the list. Who can resist a delicious Po’Boy?

2. West Virginia

West Virginia

Source: Public Domain

Obesity Rate: 39.5%
Tied with Mississippi, West Virginia is right in the running for the highest obesity rate.

3. Arkansas

Arkansas

Source: Public Domain

Obesity Rate: 37.1%
Once a leader in obesity rates, Arkansas now stands at 37.1%. The state has maintained a high ranking since the early 2000s.

4. Louisiana

Louisiana

Source: Public Domain

Obesity Rate: 36.8%
With a blend of Tabasco sauce and festive celebrations, Louisiana ranks fourth. The state’s vibrant culture often revolves around food.

5. Kentucky

Kentucky

Source: Public Domain

Obesity Rate: 36.6%
Kentucky, with an obesity rate of 36.6%, is just shy of moving further up the list.

6. Alabama

Alabama

Source: Public Domain

Obesity Rate: 36.2%
Alabama joins the list with a notable 36.2%, continuing the trend seen in many southern states.

7. Iowa

Iowa

Source: Public Domain

Obesity Rate: 35.3%
Iowa claims the seventh spot with a 35.5% obesity rate, reflecting trends common in both the Midwest and South.

8. North Dakota

North Dakota

Source: Public Domain

Obesity Rate: 35.1%
North Dakota’s colder climate may encourage indoor living, contributing to its 35.1% obesity rate.

9. Missouri

Missouri

Source: Public Domain

Obesity Rate: 35%
With a 35% obesity rate, Missouri’s variable climate can make it challenging to maintain an active lifestyle.

10. Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Source: Public Domain

Obesity Rate: 34.8%
Oklahoma rounds out our list at No. 10, with 34.8% of its population classified as obese.

Summary of Obesity Rates Across States

While self-reported data may not perfectly capture the true obesity rates in these states, it provides a useful overview of where they rank. Mississippi and West Virginia lead the pack, with other southern states closely following. For states not listed above, continue reading to find their rankings.

Obesity Rankings from Most to Least Obese

Rank	State	Obesity Rate
1	Mississippi	39
2	West Virginia	39
3	Arkansas	37
4	Louisiana	36
5	Kentucky	36
6	Alabama	36
7	Iowa	35
8	North Dakota	35
9	Missouri	35
10	Oklahoma	34
11	Texas	34
12	Kansas	34
13	Tennessee	34
14	South Carolina	34
15	Indiana	34
16	Nebraska	34
17	Ohio	34
18	Delaware	33
19	Michigan	33
20	North Carolina	33
21	Georgia	32
22	New Mexico	32
23	Wisconsin	32
24	Illinois	31
25	Maryland	30
26	Pennsylvania	30
27	Florida	30
28	Maine	30
29	Virginia	30
30	Minnesota	30
31	South Dakota	30
32	Oregon	29
33	New Hampshire	29
34	Alaska	29
35	Arizona	29
36	Nevada	29
36	Wyoming	29
38	Washington	28
39	Idaho	28
40	Utah	27
41	Rhode Island	27
42	New York	27
43	Vermont	27
44	Connecticut	27
45	Montana	26
46	California	25
47	Massachusetts	25
48	New Jersey	25
49	Hawaii	24
50	Colorado	23

Author

Amanda Postma

Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.