Obesity Rates Decline in 4 States, But Remain High in All States

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For the first time in the past decade, U.S. adult obesity rates decreased in four states—Minnesota, Montana, New York and Ohio—in the past year, according to a new report.

But there’s bad news, too.

Obesity increased in Kansas and Kentucky and remained above 20% in all states.

Obesity rates also are at or above 30 percent in: 40 states and Washington, D.C. for Blacks; 29 states for Latinos; and 16 states for Whites, according to the according to annual State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America from the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Louisiana has the highest adult obesity rate at 36.2%. Colorado is lowest at 20.2%.

The new report did indicate some evidence that the rate of increase of adult obesity has been slowing over the past decade. In addition, recent national data show that childhood obesity rates have stabilized at 17% over the past decade.

Significant racial and ethnic inequities remain, with rates higher among Latino (21.9%) and Black (19.5%) children than among White (14.7%) children.

That means obesity continues to put millions of Americans at increased risk for diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers, and costs the country at least $147 billion each year.

To accelerate progress on lowering obesity, the report suggests:

• Invest in obesity prevention.
• Focus on early childhood policies and programs.
• School-based policies and programs, such as continuing implementation of the final “Smart Snacks” rule for improved nutrition for snacks and beverages sold in schools.
• Community-based policies and programs, such as prioritizing health in transportation planning to help communities ensure residents have access to walking and biking.
• Healthcare that covers the full range of obesity prevention, treatment and management services under all public and private health plans.

“This year’s State of Obesity report is an urgent call to action for government, industry, healthcare, schools, child care and families around the country to join in the effort to provide a brighter, healthier future for our children,” said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, president and CEO of RWJF. “Together, we can build an inclusive Culture of Health and ensure that all children and families live healthy lives.”