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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.
Driving the news: Obesity rates in 16 states have now reached levels considered high by the CDC. This is an increase from 12 states in 2019 and nine in 2018.
- Delaware, Iowa, Ohio and Texas hit the 35% threshold in 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 pose several 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 illness from COVID-19.
In numbers : All states and territories have more than 20% of obese adults, according to the CDC.
- Combined data from 2018 to 2020 revealed notable racial disparities, with states reporting higher obesity rates among black and Hispanic residents.
- The Midwest and South had the highest prevalence of obesity, with a rate of around 34%, according to the CDC.
What they say : “Changing the current course of obesity will require a sustained and comprehensive effort from all parts of society, ”a CDC statement read.
- “These maps help by showing where we need to focus our efforts to prevent obesity and support people with this disease.”
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