Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps
Press Release | What Can Be Done | Update Sept 27, 2022
The CDC 2021 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps for 49 states, the District of Columbia, and 3 U.S. territories show self-reported adult obesity prevalence by race, ethnicity, and location. The data comes from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an on-going state-based, telephone interview survey conducted by CDC and state health departments.
The 2021 maps show that obesity impacts some groups more than others. There are notable differences by race and ethnicity, as shown by combined data from 2019–2021:
- 0 states among 37 states and territories with sufficient data had an obesity prevalence of 35 percent or higher among non-Hispanic Asian adults.
- 10 states among 48 states and territories with sufficient data had an obesity prevalence of 35 percent or higher among non-Hispanic White adults.
- 27 states and Guam among 48 states and territories with sufficient data had an obesity prevalence of 35 percent or higher among Hispanic adults.
- 31 states among 47 states with sufficient data had an obesity prevalence of 35 percent or higher among non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native adults.
- 36 states and the District of Columbia among 47 states and territories with sufficient data had an obesity prevalence of 35 percent or higher among non-Hispanic Black adults.
See CDC PLACES for community-level data.
Adults with obesity are at increased risk for many other serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and poorer mental health. Some studies have indicated that the health risks associated with obesity may occur at a lower body mass index (BMI) for some people of Asian descent. Individuals should talk regularly with their healthcare provider about their body mass index, family history of chronic disease, current lifestyle, and health risks.
By Education and Age
- Obesity prevalence decreased by level of education. Adults without a high school degree or equivalent had the highest self-reported obesity (37.8%), followed by adults with some college (35.6%) or high school graduates (35.5%), and then by college graduates (26.3%).
- Young adults were half as likely to have obesity as middle-aged adults. Adults aged 18–24 years had the lowest self-reported obesity (20.7%) compared to adults aged 45–54 years who had the highest prevalence (39.3%).
Across States and Territories
- All states and territories had more than 20% of adults with obesity.
- 20% to less than 25% of adults had obesity in the District of Columbia.
- 25% to less than 30% of adults had obesity in 8 states.
- 30% to less than 35% of adults had obesity in 22 states and Guam.
- 35% to less than 40% of adults had obesity in 17 states, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands.
- 40% or more adults had obesity in 2 states (Kentucky and West Virginia).
- The South (36.3%) had the highest prevalence of obesity, followed by the Midwest (35.4%), the Northeast (29.9%), and the West (28.7%).
For adults 20 years old and older, BMI is interpreted using standard weight status categories. These categories are the same for men and women of all body types and ages.
| BMI | Weight Status |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5–24.9 | Healthy Weight |
| 25.0–29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and Above | Obesity |
We encourage the use of person-first language (e.g., “adults with obesity” or “20% of children ages 12–19 have obesity” and not “obese adults” nor “20% of children are obese”) when discussing topics like obesity and other chronic diseases, as well as respectful images.
The Obesity Action Coalition has more information – please see the Guidelines for Media Portrayals of Individuals Affected by Obesity [PDF-1.72MB].
Map: Overall Obesity
Prevalence† of Self-Reported Obesity Among U.S. Adults by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2021
†Prevalence estimates reflect BRFSS methodological changes started in 2011. These estimates should not be compared to prevalence estimates before 2011.
Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
*Sample size <50, the relative standard error (dividing the standard error by the prevalence) ≥30%, or no data in a specific year.
TABLE: Prevalence of Self-Reported Obesity by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2021
Non-Hispanic Asian Adults
Prevalence of Self-Reported Obesity Among Non-Hispanic Asian Adults by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2019–2021
Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
*Sample size <50, the relative standard error (dividing the standard error by the prevalence) ≥30%, or no data in a specific year.
TABLE: Prevalence of Self-Reported Obesity Among Non-Hispanic Asian Adults by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2019–2021
*Sample size <50, the relative standard error (dividing the standard error by the prevalence) ≥30%, or no data in a specific year.
Non-Hispanic White Adults
Prevalence of Self-Reported Obesity Among Non-Hispanic White Adults by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2019–2021
Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
*Sample size <50, the relative standard error (dividing the standard error by the prevalence) ≥30%, or no data in a specific year.
TABLE: Prevalence of Self-Reported Obesity Among Non-Hispanic White Adults by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2019–2021
*Sample size <50, the relative standard error (dividing the standard error by the prevalence) ≥30%, or no data in a specific year.
Hispanic Adults
Prevalence of Self-Reported Obesity Among Hispanic Adults by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2019–2021
Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
*Sample size <50 or the relative standard error (dividing the standard error by the prevalence) ≥30%, or no data in a specific year.
TABLE: Prevalence of Self-Reported Obesity Among Hispanic Adults by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2019–2021
*Sample size <50, the relative standard error (dividing the standard error by the prevalence) ≥30%, or no data in a specific year.
Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native Adults
Prevalence of Self-Reported Obesity Among Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native Adult by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2019–2021
Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
*Sample size <50 or the relative standard error (dividing the standard error by the prevalence) ≥30%, or no data in a specific year.
TABLE: Prevalence of Self-Reported Obesity Among Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native Adults, by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2019–2021
*Sample size <50, the relative standard error (dividing the standard error by the prevalence) ≥30%, or no data in a specific year.
Non-Hispanic Black Adults
Prevalence of Self-Reported Obesity Among Non-Hispanic Black Adults by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2019–2021
Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
*Sample size <50 or the relative standard error (dividing the standard error by the prevalence) ≥30%, or no data in a specific year.
TABLE: Prevalence of Self-Reported Obesity Among Non-Hispanic Black Adults by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2019–2021
*Sample size <50, the relative standard error (dividing the standard error by the prevalence) ≥30%, or no data in a specific year.
Related Information
Press Release
Read the 2022 Press Release about the Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps.
PLACES: Local Data for Better Health
Model-based population-level analysis and community estimates on obesity and other chronic disease factors for counties, census tracts, and ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs) across the United States.
Data, Trends, and Maps
This interactive database provides national and state-level data about the health status and behaviors of Americans as well as environmental or policy supports. Categories include breastfeeding, fruits and vegetables, physical activity, sugary drinks, television watching, and obesity/weight.
Download Maps in Slide Format
NewAdult Obesity Maps by State and Territory, 2011-2021
CDC’s Data, Trends, and Maps Interactive Tool provides additional state and territory adult obesity prevalence estimates.
UpdatedAdult Race/Ethnicity Obesity Maps by State and Territory, 2019-2021
Historical: Maps of Adult Obesity by State and Territory, 1985 – 2010*
Historical: Maps of Adult Race/Ethnicity Obesity by State and Territory, 2011-2020*
*The historical maps cannot be compared to maps from 2011-2021 and maps from 2019-2021 because data analysis methodology changed in 2011. Like all public health surveillance systems, BRFSS must occasionally change its methods to adapt to the changing world and to maintain validity.
Citiation: Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. 27 September 2022.
