According to U.S. News, Indiana and other bordering states will have the highest adult obesity rates by 2024.
I’ve seen a lot of My 600-Lb Life throughout the years. If you haven’t seen it, TLC’s reality show chronicles the medical travels of morbidly obese people as they try to lose weight and avoid an early death. Dr. Now guides these patients through their trip and is about as frank as they come.
Every time I go for a sweet, I can’t help but recall Dr. Now’s famous remarks, such as “Do you look like you’re malnourished?” or “Why do you eat so much?”
There is a lot of passion in the program, and while it’s easy to make jokes, many of the characters are striving quite hard to improve themselves. We all have challenges in life, and some of the stories on the show are incredibly inspirational, to say the least.
Obesity is not a joke. According to U.S. News, the American obesity pandemic costs the healthcare system some $173 billion per year. The problem is more prevalent in some states than others.
Obesity Rates in the Tristate Area
U.S. News examined adult obesity rates in all 50 states using self-reported survey data from the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a collaboration with state health departments. The study discovered that several of the states with the greatest incidence of obesity also rank low in overall healthcare rankings.
Kentucky’s obesity rate in 2024 is 37.8%, ranking it among the states with the highest obese populations. Indiana ranks high on the list, with an obesity rate of 37.9%. Ohio has an even higher percentage of 38.0%. As a Midwest native, this was not what I wanted to hear, but as someone who has struggled with their weight in the past, I understand. Nonetheless, it is a problem that we should all strive to tackle.
The 10 States with the Highest Obesity Rates
Obesity has been connected to a variety of major medical issues. According to U.S. News, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer are among the most dangerous conditions. These states are now at the heart of the United States obesity epidemic:
- West Virginia (41.3 %%)
- Oklahoma (40.3 %)
- Louisiana (40.0 %)
- Mississippi (39.7%)
- Tennessee (39.1%)
- Ohio (38.0%)
- Alabama (37.9%)
- Indiana (37.9%)
- Delaware (37.8%)
- Kentucky (37.8%)
Health Risks of Obesity
Obesity is more than simply a cosmetic issue; it is a major health problem that raises the risk of several chronic diseases. Obese people have an increased chance of developing:
Type 2 diabetes: Excess body weight is a primary risk factor for developing insulin resistance, which can progress to diabetes.
Heart disease: Obesity is significantly associated with hypertension, high cholesterol, and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Stroke: Obese people have higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which increase their risk of stroke.
Certain cancers: Obesity raises the risk of acquiring some malignancies, such as breast, colon, and endometrial cancer.
Osteoarthritis: Excess weight puts strain on joints, particularly in the knees and hips, resulting in degenerative joint conditions.
Addressing the Crisis
To counteract rising obesity rates, many states are implementing public health campaigns, education, and community projects. Efforts to expand access to healthier foods, boost physical activity opportunities, and promote general well-being are critical for lowering obesity rates. Furthermore, healthcare practitioners are increasingly emphasizing preventative care and weight control counseling to assist individuals in leading healthier lifestyles.
The growing obesity epidemic is a major issue that must be addressed at the state and national levels. While obesity rates are highest in the South and Midwest, it is a national issue with far-reaching implications for public health, healthcare costs, and the quality of life for millions of Americans.