Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps
CDC has released the 2019 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps for 49 states, the District of Columbia, and 2 US territories. The maps show self-reported adult obesity prevalence by race, ethnicity, and location. The data comes from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an on-going state-based, telephone interview survey conducted by CDC and state health departments
The 2019 maps show that obesity impacts some groups more than others. There are notable differences by race and ethnicity, as shown by combined data from 2017-2019:
- 6 states had an obesity prevalence of 35 percent or higher among non-Hispanic White adults.
- 15 states had an obesity prevalence of 35 percent or higher among Hispanic adults.
- 34 states and the District of Columbia had an obesity prevalence of 35 percent or higher among non-Hispanic Black adults.
We encourage the use of person-first language (e.g., “adults with obesity” or “20% of children ages 12-19 have obesity” and not “obese adults” nor “20% of children are obese”) when discussing topics like obesity and other chronic diseases, as well as respectful images.
The Obesity Action Coalition has more information – please see the Guidelines for Media Portrayals of Individuals Affected by Obesitypdf iconexternal icon.
By Education and Age
- Obesity decreased by level of education. Adults without a high school degree or equivalent had the highest self-reported obesity (36.2%), followed by high school graduates (34.3%), adults with some college (32.8%) and college graduates (25.0%).
- Young adults were half as likely to have obesity as middle-aged adults. Adults aged 18-24 years had the lowest self-reported obesity (18.9%) compared to adults aged 45-54 years who had the highest prevalence (37.6%).
Across States and Territories
- All states and territories had more than 20% of adults with obesity.
- 20% to less than 25% of adults had obesity in 1 state (Colorado) and the District of Columbia.
- 25% to less than 30% of adults had obesity in 13 states.
- 30% to less than 35% of adults had obesity in 23 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
- 35% or more adults had obesity in 12 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia).
- The Midwest (33.9%) and South (33.3%) had the highest prevalence of obesity, followed by the Northeast (29.0%), and the West (27.4%).
Map: Overall Obesity
Prevalence† of Self-Reported Obesity Among U.S. Adults by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2019
†Prevalence estimates reflect BRFSS methodological changes started in 2011. These estimates should not be compared to prevalence estimates before 2011.
Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
*Sample size <50, the relative standard error (dividing the standard error by the prevalence) ≥30%, or no data in a specific year.
Maps: Obesity by Race/Ethnicity
Prevalence of Self-Reported Obesity Among U.S. Adults by Race/Ethnicity, State and Territory, BRFSS, 2017-2019
Combining data from 2017 through 2019, non-Hispanic Black adults had the highest prevalence of self-reported obesity (39.8%), followed by Hispanic adults (33.8%) and non-Hispanic White adults (29.9%).
Non-Hispanic White Adults
Prevalence of Self-Reported Obesity Among Non-Hispanic White Adults by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2017-2019
Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
*Sample size <50, the relative standard error (dividing the standard error by the prevalence) ≥30%, or no data in a specific year.
Hispanic Adults
Prevalence of Self-Reported Obesity Among Hispanic Adults by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2017-2019
Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
*Sample size <50 or the relative standard error (dividing the standard error by the prevalence) ≥30%, or no data in a specific year.
Non-Hispanic Black Adults
Prevalence of Self-Reported Obesity Among Non-Hispanic Black Adults by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2017-2019
Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
*Sample size <50 or the relative standard error (dividing the standard error by the prevalence) ≥30%, or no data in a specific year.
