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For the first time in more than a decade, the number of states with obesity rates of 35% or higher has declined, an encouraging sign that the epidemic of excess weight in America may be improving. But cuts to federal workers and programs dealing with chronic disease could jeopardize that progress, according to a new report released Thursday.
Nineteen states had obesity rates of 35% or higher in 2024, down from 23 states a year earlier, according to an analysis of the latest data collected by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC data was analyzed by the nonprofit group Trust for America’s Health.
The group’s analysis follows last year’s CDC report that found the overall rate of obesity in the U.S. is high but has remained stable, affecting about 40% of the population.
Although the decline is positive, “it is too early to call it a trend,” said TFAH President and Chief Executive Dr. J. Nadine Garcia said.
And with recent federal funding cuts, staff layoffs and eliminated programs, “even this potential progress is at risk,” Garcia said.
a u.s. Department of Health and Human Services The spokesperson said in an email that the administration is “encouraged by new data showing progress in the fight against obesity.”
Spokesman Andrew Nixon said, “We are reorganizing public health programs to eliminate waste, reduce bureaucracy, and redirect resources toward real prevention.”
The latest report analyzes data from CDC’s 2024 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which uses annual telephone surveys to collect data on health behaviors and chronic conditions in U.S. states and territories.
It revealed that 19 states had obesity rates among adults at 35% or more, 22 states had rates between 30% and 35% and nine states had obesity rates below 30%. Rates varied by a minimum of 25% colorado at a high level of more than 40% West Virginia,
The report found that between 2023 and 2024, no state saw a statistically significant increase or decrease in obesity rates, while 18 states saw significant increases over the past five years.
Before 2013, no state had adult obesity prevalence of 35% or higher; by 2019, a dozen states had rates that high – and that number continues to rise.
In adults, obesity is defined as a body mass index of 30 or more. Body mass index is a calculation based on height and weight. obesity It is a chronic disease that is associated with many serious health problems, including diabetes, stroke, cancer, and heart disease.
It is not clear exactly what might be causing the apparent improvement in obesity. Widespread use of drugs like Wegovi and Zepbound — which target hunger and slow digestion — may be starting to show up in the reported data, said Aviva Musicas, science director at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, an advocacy group. He suggested that increased support for nutrition assistance programs during the COVID-19 pandemic may also be a factor.
The report also details a wide range of federal, state and local efforts that focus on improving nutrition and promoting physical activity, Solveig Cunningham said. emory university Global health expert who specializes in obesity.
“I think the report will argue that some of these interventions may actually be successful,” said Cunningham, who was not involved in the research. “This shows that there are probably ways we can prevent obesity at a population level, which would be a really big deal.”
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