Summary
Obesity in the United States increased significantly from 2013 to 2022, although there has been a slowdown since a peak in 2022. New Mexico saw the most substantial rise in obesity, and there are ongoing discussions to redefine obesity measurement beyond traditional body mass index (BMI).
Key Facts
- Between 2013 and 2022, obesity rates rose considerably in the U.S., with New Mexico experiencing a 33.7% increase.
- New Mexico's current obesity rate is 35.3%, making it one of the highest in the country.
- Limited access to fitness facilities in New Mexico is suggested as a contributing factor to rising obesity rates; the state has 9 fitness facilities per 100,000 residents.
- Minnesota and Oregon follow New Mexico with 30.6% and 26.8% rises in obesity rates, respectively.
- Harvard researchers are exploring new ways to define obesity, which could classify nearly 70% of American adults as obese under new guidelines.
- The analysis also shows the variations in overall health scores, with Idaho scoring highest at 7.14 out of 10 and Louisiana lowest at 2.54 out of 10.
- West Virginia has the country's highest obesity rate at 41.2%, while Colorado has the lowest at 24.9%.
