Ro looks at the social and economic factors that influence obesity rates across the United States.
State data
States with the highest obesity rates:
- Mississippi: 39.7%
- West Virginia: 39.1%
- Alabama: 39.0%
States with the lowest obesity rates:
- Colorado: 24.2%
- Washington, D.C.: 24.3%
- Massachusetts: 24.4%
The states with the highest obesity rates are all in the American South, while those with the lowest are in the Northeast and Mountain West. Southern food has a reputation for being high in fat and heavy on fried foods, which may contribute to the high levels of obesity.
The South also has higher rates of poverty in the country than elsewhere, and poverty correlates with obesity. Conversely, many of the states with the lowest obesity rates are known for high levels of physical activity. Colorado is famous for its outdoor culture, including its hiking trails, bike paths, and climbing rocks. Washington D.C. is full of running routes around the Washington Monument, bike paths through the city, and nearby hiking trails. Meanwhile, Massachusetts' government initiatives around healthy eating, physical activity, and healthy food financing get high marks.
Race
Average obesity rates for different races:
- Asian: 13.5%
- White: 30.1%
- Hispanic: 34.0%
- Black: 38.9%
Racial disparities in obesity are extreme in the United States. Asian Americans have the lowest rate of obesity in the country by far—a fact that may be explained in part by an overall healthy pattern of behaviors. Researchers have found that Asian Americans are less likely to smoke, drink, or have hypertension or chronic stress than other groups.
On the other end of the spectrum, Black Americans have higher rates of obesity due to a confluence of social factors. Among them include having less access to stable housing, places with healthy food, and spaces for physical activity, in addition to lower rates of education and income.
This story originally appeared on Ro and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
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