The number of states where at least 35% of residents are obese has nearly doubled since 2018, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Leading the news: Obesity rates in 16 states have now reached levels considered high by the CDC. This exceeds the 12 states of 2019 and the nine of 2018.
- Delaware, Iowa, Ohio and Texas reached the 35% threshold by 2020, the CDC said.
- These states join Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
The big picture: Obesity in adulthood can carry a variety of health risks, such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, according to the CDC.
- The CDC has warned that obesity increases the risk of serious COVID-19 disease.
By numbers: According to the CDC, all states and territories have more than 20% of obese adults.
- The combined data from 2018 to 2020 found notable racial disparities, with states reporting higher rates of obesity among black and Hispanic residents.
- The Midwest and South had the highest prevalence of obesity, with a rate of about 34%, according to the CDC.
What they say: “Changing the current course of obesity will be a sustained and comprehensive effort by all parts of society, “a CDC statement said.
- “These maps help show where we need to focus efforts to prevent obesity and support people with this disease.”