Obesity remains a critical public health issue in the United States, with recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighting its alarming prevalence. As of 2025, obesity affects millions of Americans, contributing to serious health conditions and significant economic costs. This article dives into the latest CDC statistics, explores trends, disparities, and prevention strategies, and presents the data in easy-to-understand charts and tables.
Understanding Obesity: Definition and Measurement
Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, calculated by dividing weight (in kilograms) by height (in meters squared) or, in the U.S., by dividing weight (in pounds) by height (in inches squared) and multiplying by 703. Severe obesity is classified as a BMI of 40 or higher. The CDC collects data through two primary surveys: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), which provide insights into national and state-level obesity trends.
Key CDC Statistics on Obesity in the U.S. (2021–2023)
According to the CDC’s NHANES data from August 2021 to August 2023, approximately 40.3% of U.S. adults aged 20 and older have obesity, with 9.7% classified as having severe obesity. This translates to over 100 million adults with obesity and more than 22 million with severe obesity. Notably, the obesity rate has stabilized in recent years, showing no significant increase from the 2017–2020 period (41.9%), but it remains significantly higher than the 30% recorded in 2000.
Obesity Prevalence by Demographics
Obesity rates vary significantly across demographics, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, and education level. Below are the key findings:
- By Sex:
- Men: 39.3% (age-adjusted)
- Women: 41.4% (age-adjusted)
- Severe obesity is notably higher in women (12.6%) than in men (6.8%).
- By Age Group:
- Ages 20–39: 39.8% obesity, 9.5% severe obesity
- Ages 40–59: 44.3% obesity, 12.0% severe obesity
- Ages 60 and older: 41.5% obesity, 6.6% severe obesity
- The 40–59 age group shows the highest prevalence for both obesity and severe obesity.
- By Race/Ethnicity (2021–2023 NHANES and BRFSS data):
- Non-Hispanic Black: 49.9% (highest prevalence, particularly among women at 54.8%)
- Hispanic: 45.6%
- Non-Hispanic White: 41.4%
- Non-Hispanic Asian: 16.1% (lowest prevalence)
- American Indian or Alaska Native: 42.9% (2015 data, no recent breakdown by sex)
- By Education Level:
- High school diploma or less: 44.6%
- Some college: 45.0%
- Bachelor’s degree or more: 31.6% (significantly lower than less-educated groups)
State-Level Obesity Rates (2023 BRFSS Data)
The CDC’s 2023 BRFSS data reveals that 23 states, along with Guam and Puerto Rico, have an adult obesity prevalence of 35% or higher, a stark increase from 2013 when no state reached this threshold. The Midwest (36.0%) and South (34.7%) have the highest regional rates, while the Northeast (28.6%) and West (29.1%) are lower. States with the highest obesity rates include:
- West Virginia: 41.2%
- Mississippi: 40.1%
- Arkansas: 40.0%
- Louisiana: 39.9%
- Alabama: 39.2%
States with the lowest rates include:
- District of Columbia: 23.5%
- Colorado: 24.9%
- Hawaii: 26.1%
- Massachusetts: 27.4%
- California: 27.7%
Childhood and Adolescent Obesity
Obesity is not limited to adults. From 2017 to March 2020, 19.7% of U.S. children and adolescents aged 2–19 (approximately 14.7 million) had obesity. Prevalence increases with age:
- Ages 2–5: 12.7%
- Ages 6–11: 20.7%
- Ages 12–19: 22.2%
By race/ethnicity:
- Hispanic children: 26.2%
- Non-Hispanic Black children: 24.8%
- Non-Hispanic White children: 16.6%
- Non-Hispanic Asian children: 9.0%
Obesity prevalence is also higher among children in lower-income families, with 25.8% of those at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level affected compared to 11.5% in families above 350% of the FPL.
Trends Over Time
The U.S. obesity rate has tripled over the past six decades, from 13% in the early 1960s to 43% in recent years. Severe obesity has risen tenfold, from less than 1% to nearly 10% by 2017–2020. While the overall obesity rate has stabilized recently (40.3% in 2021–2023), severe obesity increased from 7.7% in 2013–2014 to 9.7% in 2021–2023. Projections suggest that by 2030, nearly half of U.S. adults (48.9%) could have obesity, with 24.2% experiencing severe obesity.
Health and Economic Impacts
Obesity is linked to numerous health conditions, including:
- Type 2 diabetes (23% of adults with obesity have diabetes)
- Heart disease (58% have high blood pressure)
- Stroke
- Certain cancers (e.g., colorectal, endometrial, pancreatic)
- Asthma
- Sleep apnea
- Mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, poor body image)
Economically, obesity costs the U.S. healthcare system approximately $173 billion annually (2019 dollars). It also contributes to productivity losses estimated at $13.4–$26.8 billion in 2016. Obesity-related hospitalizations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, were significant, with 30.2% of 900,000 hospitalizations from March to November 2020 attributed to obesity.
Factors Contributing to Obesity
Obesity is a complex disease influenced by:
- Genetics: Predisposition to weight gain.
- Lifestyle: Poor diet (e.g., high-calorie, processed foods), lack of physical activity, and sedentary behaviors.
- Environmental Factors: Limited access to healthy foods, safe spaces for exercise, and affordable healthcare.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Lower income and education levels correlate with higher obesity rates.
- Medications and Health Conditions: Certain drugs and conditions (e.g., hypothyroidism) can promote weight gain.
CDC’s Prevention and Treatment Strategies
The CDC emphasizes a multifaceted approach to address obesity, including:
- Policy and Environmental Changes: Promoting access to healthy foods and safe physical activity spaces.
- Community Programs: Initiatives like State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN), Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH), and Healthy Tribes to reduce disparities.
- Nutrition Support: Expanding programs like SNAP and WIC, and implementing front-of-package nutrition labeling.
- Medical Interventions: Use of FDA-approved medications (e.g., GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy) and bariatric surgery for severe cases.
- Stigma Reduction: Encouraging person-first language (e.g., “adults with obesity” instead of “obese adults”) to reduce weight bias.
Data Visualizations
Table 1: Adult Obesity Prevalence by Demographic (2021–2023 NHANES)
| Demographic | Obesity Prevalence (%) | Severe Obesity Prevalence (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Total (Age 20+) | 40.3 | 9.7 |
| Men | 39.3 | 6.8 |
| Women | 41.4 | 12.6 |
| Ages 20–39 | 39.8 | 9.5 |
| Ages 40–59 | 44.3 | 12.0 |
| Ages 60+ | 41.5 | 6.6 |
| Non-Hispanic Black | 49.9 | – |
| Hispanic | 45.6 | – |
| Non-Hispanic White | 41.4 | – |
| Non-Hispanic Asian | 16.1 | – |
| High School or Less | 44.6 | – |
| Some College | 45.0 | – |
| Bachelor’s Degree+ | 31.6 | – |
Table 2: Top 5 States with Highest and Lowest Obesity Rates (2023 BRFSS)
| State | Obesity Prevalence (%) |
|---|---|
| Highest | |
| West Virginia | 41.2 |
| Mississippi | 40.1 |
| Arkansas | 40.0 |
| Louisiana | 39.9 |
| Alabama | 39.2 |
| Lowest | |
| District of Columbia | 23.5 |
| Colorado | 24.9 |
| Hawaii | 26.1 |
| Massachusetts | 27.4 |
| California | 27.7 |
Chart: Trends in Adult Obesity and Severe Obesity (2013–2023)
| Year | Obesity (%) | Severe Obesity (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2013–2014 | 37.7 | 7.7 |
| 2017–2020 | 41.9 | 9.2 |
| 2021–2023 | 40.3 | 9.7 |
Note: Data sourced from NHANES. Obesity defined as BMI ≥ 30; severe obesity as BMI ≥ 40.
Why These Stats Matter?
The stabilization of obesity rates is a positive sign, but the high prevalence remains a public health crisis. Obesity disproportionately affects certain groups, particularly non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations, lower-income individuals, and those with less education. Addressing these disparities requires targeted interventions that consider socioeconomic and environmental barriers.
What Can Be Done?
Individuals, communities, and policymakers can take action:
- Individuals: Adopt healthier eating habits, increase physical activity, and seek medical advice for weight management.
- Communities: Create safe spaces for exercise and improve access to nutritious foods.
- Policymakers: Invest in prevention programs, regulate food labeling, and expand healthcare access for obesity treatment.
For more information on obesity prevention and treatment, visit the CDC’s official website at www.cdc.gov/obesity.
Conclusion:
The 2025 CDC statistics underscore the persistent challenge of obesity in the U.S., with 40.3% of adults and 19.7% of children affected. While rates have stabilized, the health and economic toll remains significant. By understanding the data and supporting evidence-based strategies, we can work toward a healthier future. Stay informed, take action, and join the effort to combat this complex disease.
Sources: CDC NHANES (2021–2023), BRFSS (2023), and other referenced studies.