Obesity costs the U.S. healthcare system around $173 billion each year, according to the CDC, and while taxpayers all share the burden to an extent, some areas of the country have bigger issues with weight than others. For example, West Virginia is the most overweight state in the country, according to a new report by the personal-finance website WalletHub. Mississippi, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Arkansas ranked as the next most overweight states. The report analyzed 31 key indicators across three dimensions: Obesity & Overweight Prevalence, Health Consequences and Food & Fitness.
“In West Virginia, 73.9% of the state’s residents are either overweight or obese, which is 1.3 times the lowest rate of 55.9% for the District of Columbia,” said Cassandra Happe, WalletHub Analyst. “The Mountain State has the highest rate of adults with type-2 diabetes in the nation, 14.4%, which is more than double Vermont’s 7%. Lack of access to healthy food retailers and low rates of physical activity are big contributors to the obesity epidemic in West Virginia.”
20 Most Overweight States
| 1. West Virginia | 11. Oklahoma | |
| 2. Mississippi | 12. North Carolina | |
| 3. Kentucky | 13. Kansas | |
| 4. Louisiana | 14. Ohio | |
| 5. Arkansas | 15. Iowa | |
| 6. Tennessee | 16. Georgia | |
| 7. Alabama | 17. New Mexico | |
| 8. Texas | 18. Missouri | |
| 9. South Carolina | 19. South Dakota | |
| 10. Delaware | 20. Maine |
“While every state struggles with obesity, each of the most obese states has its own challenges. Mississippi has the highest rate of hypertension in the nation, and Kentucky has the second highest share of obese children in the nation, despite having decent school nutrition policies,” said Happe. “Louisiana has the lowest rate of adults who eat vegetables at least once per day, and Arkansas has the second highest rate of inactivity among adults.”
A wide variety of metrics affect the states’ rankings, ranging from the prevalence of diseases related to obesity and how well schools promote exercise, to annual obesity-related healthcare costs and residents’ access to healthy food stores.
“More than seven in 10 adults in the U.S. over age 20 are overweight or obese,” noted Happe. “Being an unhealthy weight is especially dangerous as we head into the inevitable surge of flu and COVID-19 cases over the winter, as it puts people more at risk for serious symptoms. Now is an ideal time for people to start eating healthier and exercising more.”
Getting started on a weight-loss journey can be difficult, but there are plenty of small steps you can take that will add up to a healthy lifestyle.
Tips for Overweight and Obese Americans
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: Talk to a healthcare provider to create a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs and health conditions. They can provide guidance on safe and effective weight management.
- Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable, short-term and long-term goals for weight loss. Small, gradual changes are more sustainable and less daunting.
- Adopt a Balanced Diet: Focus on a balanced and sustainable eating plan. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats while limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive calorie intake. Plan your meals and snacks in advance to avoid impulsive, unhealthy choices. Include a variety of nutritious foods to meet your dietary needs.
- Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, as recommended by the CDC. Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can be good options.
- Find a Support System: Join a weight loss group, work with a dietitian, or seek support from friends and family. Having a support system can be highly motivating.
- Track Your Progress: Keep a food diary or use a tracking app to monitor your eating habits and physical activity. This can help you stay accountable and identify areas for improvement.
- Get Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Poor sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate appetite and lead to weight gain.
