Waist Not, Want Not
Obesity is a growing issue across the United States—literally. While many factors contribute to weight gain, including diet, income, activity levels, and access to healthcare, some states are seeing far higher obesity rates than others. We’ve ranked all 50 states (and the District of Columbia) based on adult obesity prevalence using the most recent CDC data and looking at key stats such as: physical inactivity, diabetes rates, and adult exercise rate.
Let’s take a closer look at who’s tipping the scales—and why.
51: Colorado
Obesity rate: 25.1%
Physical inactivity rate: 17.3%
Diabetes prevalence: 8.1%
Adult exercise rate: 84.4%
Colorado consistently ranks as the least obese state in the country. With ample outdoor activities, hiking trails, and a culture of fitness, it's no surprise residents here are more active and weigh less.
50: Hawaii
Obesity rate: 25.9%
Physical inactivity rate: 18.2%
Diabetes prevalence: 9.5%
Adult exercise rate: 82.7%
Hawaiians enjoy access to fresh seafood and a climate perfect for year-round activity. The Aloha State remains one of the healthiest thanks to its lifestyle and diet.
ArdentArbitration, Wikimedia Commons
49: Massachusetts
Obesity rate: 26.3%
Physical inactivity rate: 18.9%
Diabetes prevalence: 8.5%
Adult exercise rate: 83.1%
With high healthcare access and fitness-focused urban centers like Boston, Massachusetts maintains one of the lowest obesity rates nationwide.
48: California
Obesity rate: 26.8%
Physical inactivity rate: 19.4%
Diabetes prevalence: 9.0%
Adult exercise rate: 82.5%
California’s active culture, along with access to healthy foods and year-round sunshine, plays a major role in keeping obesity lower than in many other large states.
47: Utah
Obesity rate: 27.0%
Physical inactivity rate: 17.1%
Diabetes prevalence: 8.2%
Adult exercise rate: 84.6%
Utahns are some of the most physically active Americans, which contributes to their relatively low obesity rate. The state's high-altitude environment may also play a role.
46: New Jersey
Obesity rate: 27.7%
Physical inactivity rate: 20.0%
Diabetes prevalence: 9.4%
Adult exercise rate: 81.7%
Dense urban areas in New Jersey encourage walking, while access to medical care and public health programs help curb obesity.
King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
45: Washington
Obesity rate: 28.0%
Physical inactivity rate: 20.4%
Diabetes prevalence: 9.3%
Adult exercise rate: 81.9%
Despite plenty of rainy days, Washingtonians stay active. Farmers markets, health-conscious communities, and a strong fitness culture help keep the state's numbers low.
44: New York
Obesity rate: 28.3%
Physical inactivity rate: 20.8%
Diabetes prevalence: 9.5%
Adult exercise rate: 80.9%
The state that never sleeps also never stops moving. Especially in cities like NYC, the walking lifestyle offsets some dietary indulgences.
43: Vermont
Obesity rate: 28.5%
Physical inactivity rate: 19.1%
Diabetes prevalence: 8.7%
Adult exercise rate: 82.3%
Vermont combines rural living with an active lifestyle and a culture of organic, local foods—factors that help control obesity rates.
42: Florida
Obesity rate: 28.6%
Physical inactivity rate: 21.5%
Diabetes prevalence: 10.1%
Adult exercise rate: 80.5%
Florida is a mixed bag—retirement communities may bring health risks, but beaches and outdoor activities help others stay fit. The state lands right around the national average.
41: Maryland
Obesity rate: 28.7%
Physical inactivity rate: 21.7%
Diabetes prevalence: 9.9%
Adult exercise rate: 80.1%
Maryland benefits from high healthcare access and income levels in the D.C. metro area, though rural areas face more obesity challenges.
Matthew Binebrink, Wikimedia Commons
40: New Hampshire
Obesity rate: 28.8%
Physical inactivity rate: 21.9%
Diabetes prevalence: 9.6%
Adult exercise rate: 80.0%
New Hampshire combines strong public health systems with outdoor lifestyles, helping maintain a relatively low obesity rate.
Mikespenard, Wikimedia Commons
39: Montana
Obesity rate: 28.9%
Physical inactivity rate: 22.0%
Diabetes prevalence: 9.8%
Adult exercise rate: 79.7%
Montana's rural, outdoorsy culture helps, though long winters and healthcare access limit progress on reducing obesity.
38: Nebraska
Obesity rate: 29.0%
Physical inactivity rate: 22.2%
Diabetes prevalence: 10.0%
Adult exercise rate: 79.6%
Nebraska's agricultural roots and car-dependent infrastructure contribute to rising obesity, despite relatively good health education.
37: New Mexico
Obesity rate: 29.0%
Physical inactivity rate: 22.4%
Diabetes prevalence: 10.3%
Adult exercise rate: 79.5%
New Mexico struggles with poverty and limited food access in rural areas, though some cities promote wellness programs.
MARELBU, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
36: Wyoming
Obesity rate: 29.0%
Physical inactivity rate: 22.6%
Diabetes prevalence: 10.4%
Adult exercise rate: 79.4%
Wyoming’s active lifestyle is offset by low population density and limited healthcare infrastructure.
35: Kansas
Obesity rate: 29.0%
Physical inactivity rate: 22.8%
Diabetes prevalence: 10.5%
Adult exercise rate: 79.2%
Kansas faces rising obesity due to processed food reliance and fewer recreational opportunities in rural regions.
34: Washington D.C.
Obesity rate: 29.0%
Physical inactivity rate: 23.0%
Diabetes prevalence: 10.6%
Adult exercise rate: 79.0%
The nation’s capital has diverse health outcomes, with active urban populations contrasting with significant health disparities.
33: Minnesota
Obesity rate: 29.0%
Physical inactivity rate: 21.2%
Diabetes prevalence: 8.9%
Adult exercise rate: 81.1%
Minnesota maintains solid public health infrastructure and active communities, contributing to a relatively low obesity rate despite cold winters.
32: Connecticut
Obesity rate: 29.1%
Physical inactivity rate: 21.4%
Diabetes prevalence: 9.1%
Adult exercise rate: 80.7%
Connecticut benefits from higher average incomes and better healthcare access, both of which are associated with lower obesity.
31: Arizona
Obesity rate: 29.5%
Physical inactivity rate: 22.3%
Diabetes prevalence: 10.2%
Adult exercise rate: 80.2%
Arizona’s warm weather and retirement population result in mixed outcomes, but active cities like Phoenix help keep obesity rates in check.
30: Oregon
Obesity rate: 29.6%
Physical inactivity rate: 22.5%
Diabetes prevalence: 9.8%
Adult exercise rate: 79.9%
Oregon’s progressive food and health culture works against rising obesity, though rural areas face greater challenges.
29: Idaho
Obesity rate: 29.8%
Physical inactivity rate: 21.8%
Diabetes prevalence: 9.7%
Adult exercise rate: 80.4%
Idaho’s blend of rural and urban living gives mixed results. Many residents enjoy an outdoor lifestyle that offsets obesity risks.
28: Nevada
Obesity rate: 30.1%
Physical inactivity rate: 23.1%
Diabetes prevalence: 10.8%
Adult exercise rate: 79.3%
Nevada's tourism-heavy economy doesn't always support healthy habits, but exercise rates remain moderate.
Rmvisuals, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
27: Rhode Island
Obesity rate: 30.3%
Physical inactivity rate: 22.6%
Diabetes prevalence: 10.1%
Adult exercise rate: 78.9%
Despite its small size, Rhode Island has growing obesity challenges—particularly in lower-income areas.
26: Illinois
Obesity rate: 30.5%
Physical inactivity rate: 23.5%
Diabetes prevalence: 10.7%
Adult exercise rate: 78.2%
The urban-rural divide is sharp in Illinois, with Chicago's active lifestyle pulling down the overall obesity rate.
Willian Justen de Vasconcellos, Unsplash
25: North Dakota
Obesity rate: 30.7%
Physical inactivity rate: 24.1%
Diabetes prevalence: 10.6%
Adult exercise rate: 77.8%
North Dakota struggles with seasonal activity limitations and limited access to healthcare in rural areas.
24: Maine
Obesity rate: 30.9%
Physical inactivity rate: 24.2%
Diabetes prevalence: 10.4%
Adult exercise rate: 77.5%
Aging populations and cold winters contribute to higher obesity rates in Maine, though many residents remain active outdoors.
23: Wisconsin
Obesity rate: 31.1%
Physical inactivity rate: 24.4%
Diabetes prevalence: 10.9%
Adult exercise rate: 77.3%
The state’s love of beer and cheese may contribute, but Wisconsin still ranks near the middle thanks to strong healthcare systems.
22: Virginia
Obesity rate: 31.3%
Physical inactivity rate: 24.7%
Diabetes prevalence: 10.8%
Adult exercise rate: 77.0%
Virginia's proximity to Washington D.C. boosts its urban population’s health, but rural regions face more challenges.
21: Pennsylvania
Obesity rate: 31.5%
Physical inactivity rate: 25.0%
Diabetes prevalence: 11.0%
Adult exercise rate: 76.8%
Economic disparity plays a large role in Pennsylvania’s obesity rate, with cities healthier than outlying rural communities.
20: Delaware
Obesity rate: 31.6%
Physical inactivity rate: 25.3%
Diabetes prevalence: 11.3%
Adult exercise rate: 76.5%
Delaware is small but faces big health challenges—especially with limited access to healthy food in lower-income areas.
Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
19: Texas
Obesity rate: 31.9%
Physical inactivity rate: 25.5%
Diabetes prevalence: 11.8%
Adult exercise rate: 76.0%
Fast food culture and income inequality contribute to Texas’s high obesity rate, though urban areas like Austin fare better.
18: North Carolina
Obesity rate: 32.1%
Physical inactivity rate: 26.0%
Diabetes prevalence: 12.0%
Adult exercise rate: 75.7%
While North Carolina has fitness-friendly cities, many parts of the state are struggling with rising obesity.
Precisionviews, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
17: Georgia
Obesity rate: 32.3%
Physical inactivity rate: 26.5%
Diabetes prevalence: 12.2%
Adult exercise rate: 75.1%
Obesity in Georgia is tied to sedentary lifestyles and a lack of access to healthcare in rural counties.
Paul Brennan, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
16: Indiana
Obesity rate: 32.5%
Physical inactivity rate: 26.8%
Diabetes prevalence: 12.5%
Adult exercise rate: 74.9%
Indiana consistently ranks among the least healthy states, with public health initiatives slow to take hold.
Nicholas J. Klein, Adobe Stock
15: South Dakota
Obesity rate: 32.7%
Physical inactivity rate: 27.0%
Diabetes prevalence: 12.4%
Adult exercise rate: 74.5%
Sparse populations and limited access to nutritious foods contribute to South Dakota’s obesity rate.
Magicpiano, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
14: Missouri
Obesity rate: 33.0%
Physical inactivity rate: 27.4%
Diabetes prevalence: 12.7%
Adult exercise rate: 74.2%
Economic stress and diet patterns push Missouri’s obesity rate upward, particularly in the southern part of the state.
13: Michigan
Obesity rate: 33.2%
Physical inactivity rate: 27.6%
Diabetes prevalence: 12.9%
Adult exercise rate: 74.0%
Michigan’s manufacturing legacy and aging population contribute to inactivity and higher obesity rates.
12: Iowa
Obesity rate: 33.4%
Physical inactivity rate: 27.8%
Diabetes prevalence: 13.0%
Adult exercise rate: 73.7%
A reliance on processed food and long winters contribute to Iowa’s obesity challenges.
Grindstone Media Grp, Adobe Stock
11: Tennessee
Obesity rate: 33.6%
Physical inactivity rate: 28.0%
Diabetes prevalence: 13.2%
Adult exercise rate: 73.3%
Cultural preferences and rural poverty make Tennessee one of the more obese states in the country.
10: Ohio
Obesity rate: 33.8%
Physical inactivity rate: 28.2%
Diabetes prevalence: 13.0%
Adult exercise rate: 73.2%
Ohio faces significant obesity challenges due to economic stress, sedentary lifestyles, and limited access to nutritious food—especially in rural and industrial areas.
Nicholas J. Klein, Adobe Stock
9: Alaska
Obesity rate: 33.9%
Physical inactivity rate: 28.3%
Diabetes prevalence: 13.1%
Adult exercise rate: 73.0%
Alaska’s extreme weather and isolation affect both food access and physical activity.
Quintin Soloviev, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
8: South Carolina
Obesity rate: 34.1%
Physical inactivity rate: 28.5%
Diabetes prevalence: 13.4%
Adult exercise rate: 72.8%
Southern cuisine and inactivity have kept South Carolina’s obesity rate among the highest in the country.
7: Louisiana
Obesity rate: 34.4%
Physical inactivity rate: 28.8%
Diabetes prevalence: 13.6%
Adult exercise rate: 72.5%
The culture of comfort food in Louisiana contributes to high rates of obesity, despite recent health campaigns.
Spatms, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
6: Oklahoma
Obesity rate: 34.7%
Physical inactivity rate: 29.1%
Diabetes prevalence: 13.9%
Adult exercise rate: 72.1%
Poverty and limited access to healthcare are major factors in Oklahoma’s high obesity ranking.
Nicholas J. Klein, Adobe Stock
5: Alabama
Obesity rate: 35.0%
Physical inactivity rate: 29.4%
Diabetes prevalence: 14.1%
Adult exercise rate: 71.7%
With one of the highest diabetes rates in the U.S., Alabama faces serious public health concerns tied to obesity.
Carol M. Highsmith, Wikimedia Commons
4: Arkansas
Obesity rate: 35.3%
Physical inactivity rate: 29.7%
Diabetes prevalence: 14.3%
Adult exercise rate: 71.2%
Despite state-wide health campaigns, obesity remains stubbornly high in Arkansas.
Law7833, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
3: Kentucky
Obesity rate: 35.6%
Physical inactivity rate: 30.0%
Diabetes prevalence: 14.6%
Adult exercise rate: 70.9%
Low physical activity and a culture of fried foods drive Kentucky’s high obesity and diabetes rates.
Grindstone Media Grp, Adobe Stock
2: Mississippi
Obesity rate: 36.0%
Physical inactivity rate: 30.4%
Diabetes prevalence: 15.0%
Adult exercise rate: 70.5%
Mississippi has long been near the top of obesity rankings, largely due to food insecurity and poor access to care.
1: West Virginia
Obesity rate: 41.0%
Physical inactivity rate: 31.6%
Diabetes prevalence: 15.7%
Adult exercise rate: 68.9%
Topping the list is West Virginia, where poverty, poor access to fresh food, and low physical activity combine into the highest obesity rate in the country.
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