America’s Growing Waistline Problem: Here’s the FATTEST States In 2024

With widespread consumption of fast food across the country, obesity rates are at an all-time high. This exploration is not meant to stigmatize or shame but to foster awareness and promote dialogue about the broader issues at play here. “Fattest” here is being judged based on the BMI index data provided by the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System. 

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical measurement that assesses an individual’s body weight in relation to their height. It is a commonly used screening tool to categorize individuals into different weight status categories, helping identify whether they are underweight, normal, overweight, or obese.

Keep reading to see the scorecard of America’s FATTEST states in ascending order from least to most. And by the way, we did include a few more areas that we know are not officially states but still part of America’s territories.

1. District of Columbia

With the lowest average BMI in the United States, DC tops the list. The obesity prevalence rate here is 24.3%.

• Asian Adults have a 10.2% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 12.9% obesity rate
• Hispanic Adults have a 27% obesity rate
• Black Adults have a 38.3% obesity rate

2. Colorado

Colorado secures the second spot with an average obesity prevalence rate of 25.0. Known for its active lifestyle and outdoor pursuits, the state maintains a healthy weight profile. 

• Asian Adults have a 10% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 23.2% obesity rate
• Hispanic Adults have a 31% obesity rate
• American Indian Adults have a 37.1% obesity rate
• Black Adults have a 31.3% obesity rate

3. Hawaii

Hawaii, holding the third position with an obesity prevalence rate of 25.9, showcases a unique blend of health and lifestyle. The combination of a diverse, nutrient-rich local diet and opportunities for outdoor activities contributes to the well-being of Hawaiians, making the state a haven for both physical and scenic vitality.

• Asian Adults have a 17.3% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 19.7% obesity rate
• Hispanic Adults have a 31.4% obesity rate
• Black Adults have a 31.2% obesity rate

4. Vermont

With an obesity prevalence rate of 26.8, Vermont is one of the healthiest states in the United States. Whether it’s a lifestyle difference or less caloric food, they take the fourth spot.

• White Adults have a 27.5% obesity rate
• Hispanic Adults have a 31.5% obesity rate
• American Indian Adults have a 31.6% obesity rate
• Black Adults have a 28.6% obesity rate

5. Massachusetts

Massachusetts follows closely with an obesity prevalence rate of 27.2, securing fifth place. The Bay State’s commitment to education, healthcare, and a diverse range of recreational activities contributes to the overall health of its residents. 

• Asian Adults have a 10.6% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 26.1% obesity rate
• Hispanic Adults have a 33% obesity rate
• American Indian Adults have a 25.2% obesity rate
• Black Adults have a 36% obesity rate

6. California

From the sunny beaches of Southern California to the outdoor havens in the north, the Golden State’s commitment to wellness and outdoor activities contributes to the overall health of its residents. With an obesity prevalence rate of 28.1, they rank sixth in the US.

• Asian Adults have an 11.1% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 25.8% obesity rate
• Hispanic Adults have a 37.8% obesity rate
• American Indian Adults have a 37% obesity rate
• Black Adults have a 42.5% obesity rate

7. New Jersey

New Jersey has an obesity prevalence rate of 29.1, meaning that people here are still fitter than most of the country.

• Asian Adults have an 11.2% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 27.6% obesity rate
• Hispanic Adults have a 33.4% obesity rate
• Black Adults have a 37.3% obesity rate

8. New York

New York falls under the category of borderline obesity, with an obesity prevalence rate of 30.1, slightly above New Jersey.

• Asian Adults have a 12.6% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 27.9% obesity rate
• Hispanic Adults have a 33% obesity rate
• American Indian Adults have a 30.9% obesity rate
• Black Adults have a 36.3% obesity rate

9. New Hampshire

With the people of New Hampshire averaging 30.2 on the obesity prevalence rate scale, the state is just ahead of New York.

• Asian Adults have a 10.9% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 30.5% obesity rate
• Hispanic Adults have a 36.7% obesity rate
• American Indian Adults have a 34.9% obesity rate
• Black Adults have a 33.7% obesity rate 

10. Montana

Montana follows closely with an obesity prevalence rate of 30.5, the first state to cross the big thirty. 

• White Adults have a 29.3% obesity rate
• Hispanic Adults have a 36.5% obesity rate
• American Indian Adults have a 41.8% obesity rate

11. Connecticut

With 30.6% of people here being obese, the state of Connecticut suffers from the effects of high-caloric food and low activity.

• Asian Adults have a 28.3% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 36% obesity rate
• Hispanic Adults have a 33% obesity rate
• American Indian Adults have a 42.1% obesity rate
• Black Adults have a 41.1% obesity rate

12. Rhode Island

Rhode Island, ranking twelfth with an obesity prevalence rate of 30.8, highlights the impact of its coastal lifestyle on residents’ health. 

• Asian Adults have a 12% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 29.5% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 33.9% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 42.2% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 38.5% obesity rate.

13. Oregon

Oregon follows closely with an obesity prevalence rate of 30.9, which is close to Rhode Island. 

• Asian Adults have a 15.2% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 29.3% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 36.9% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 37.2% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 31% obesity rate.

14. Utah

Utah takes the fourteenth position with an obesity prevalence rate of 31.1%. Residents in the state may consider adopting health-conscious habits and maintaining an active lifestyle for overall well-being.

• Asian Adults have an 8.2% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 29.6% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 35.5% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 46.7% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 28.1% obesity rate.

15. Florida

With an obesity prevalence rate of 31.6%, Florida, with its spectacular beaches, has an obesity problem.

16. Washington

Washington claims the sixteenth position with an obesity prevalence rate of 31.7%. 

• Asian Adults have a 10.2% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 30.3% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 35.8% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 42.7% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 36.1% obesity rate.

17. Alaska

Alaska reports an obesity prevalence rate of 32.1%. Despite its challenging environment, the state’s residents may find inspiration in the vast wilderness, promoting outdoor activities that contribute to physical health and well-being.

• Asian Adults have a 24.8% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 33.4% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 30.6% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 37.1% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 41.8% obesity rate.

18. Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands share the same obesity prevalence rate of 32.1%. In this tropical paradise, residents have the opportunity to adopt health-conscious practices.

19. New Mexico

New Mexico reveals an obesity prevalence rate of 32.4%. The state’s rich cultural heritage may serve as a foundation for community-based initiatives addressing obesity.

• White Adults have a 36.4% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 25.7 % obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 45.5% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 37.5% obesity rate.

20. Guam

Coming in at twentieth is Guam, a U.S. island territory in the Western Pacific, with an obesity prevalence of 32.7%. 

• Asian Adults have an 18.1% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 38.5% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 20.1% obesity rate.

21. Maine

With the most significant proportion of coastline among all U.S. states, Maine positions itself with an obesity prevalence rate of 33.1%.

• White Adults have a 31.9% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 34.6% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 36.1% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 36.9% obesity rate.

22. Idaho

Idaho, often referred to as the “Gem State,” reports an obesity prevalence rate of 33.2%.

• White Adults have a 31.4% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 36.7% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 45.2% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 30.5% obesity rate.

23. Arizona

Having an obesity rate of 33.2%, Arizona ties with Idaho regarding health.

• Asian Adults have a 13.5% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 27.9% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 38.2% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 47% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 40.9% obesity rate.

24. Maryland

With a three-way tie between Maryland, Arizona, and Idaho, this state also has 33.2% of the population being obese due to several reasons.

• Asian Adults have a 13.4% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 30.2% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 33.5% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 24.8% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 41.6% obesity rate.

25. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania, positioned with an obesity prevalence rate of 33.4%, stands as a state rich in history and cultural diversity.

• Asian Adults have a 10.7% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 32.8% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 33.9% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 28.3% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 40.8% obesity rate.

26. Illinois

Illinois reports an obesity prevalence rate of 33.4%. Beyond its iconic skyline in Chicago, the state offers diverse cultural experiences and recreational opportunities.

• Asian Adults have an 11.6% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 31.8% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 40.5% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 32% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 41% obesity rate.

27. Nevada

Known for the dazzling lights of Las Vegas and the vast desert landscapes, Nevada follows closely with an obesity prevalence rate of 33.5%.

• Asian Adults have a 15.8% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 31.3% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 34.8% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 45.4% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 33.4% obesity rate.

28. Minnesota

Coming in at the twenty-eighth position with an obesity rate of 33.6% is the state of Minnesota.

• Asian Adults have an 18.8% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 32.2% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 35.5% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 45.9% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 36% obesity rate.

29. North Carolina

With an obesity rate of 34.1%, North Carolina beats Minnesota by 0.5%. 

• Asian Adults have a 15.5% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 31.3% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 32.9% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 38.3% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 48.2% obesity rate.

30. Puerto Rico

While not technically a state, known for its bioluminescent bays, where microscopic organisms in the water emit a natural glow, Puerto Rico has a whopping 34.1% obesity rate, tying with North Carolina.

31. Wyoming

At 34.3% obesity prevalence rate, Wyoming is positioned at the thirty-first spot out of all the States in the US.

• White Adults have a 31.5% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 40.2% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 37.2% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 30.7% obesity rate.

32. Michigan

Michigan, with an obesity prevalence rate of 34.5%, is home to more than 62,000 inland lakes, providing ample opportunities for water-based recreational activities. 

• Asian Adults have a 9.2% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 34.3% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 40.3% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 30.1% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 42.1% obesity rate.

33. South Carolina

South Carolina reports an obesity prevalence rate of 35.0%. The state is famous for its charming southern hospitality and historic plantations.

• Asian Adults have a 17.5% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 32.6% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 32.7% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 40.3% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 44.9% obesity rate.

34. Virginia

Virginia, with an obesity prevalence rate of 35.2%, is known for its significant role in American history. 

• Asian Adults have a 12.6% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 32.8% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 32.5% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 28% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 46.7% obesity rate.

35. Nebraska

Nebraska follows closely with an obesity prevalence rate of 35.3%.

• Asian Adults have a 12.6% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 35.2% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 36.9% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 43.3% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 37.5% obesity rate.

36. North Dakota

Positioned at thirty-sixth in all the states, the obesity rate here is 35.4%, with a population of 774,948. 

• Asian Adults have a 27.6% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 34.3% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 35% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 49.5% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 25% obesity rate.

37. Texas

Texas, reporting an obesity prevalence rate of 35.5%, is not only the second-largest state in the U.S. but also a hub for diverse cultures and cuisines.

• Asian Adults have a 13.5% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 32.2% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 40.8% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 36.6% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 43.5% obesity rate.

38. Kansas

Kansas follows closely with an obesity prevalence rate of 35.7%.

• Asian Adults have a 10.2% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 35.2% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 40.6% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 42.9% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 39.6% obesity rate.

39. Missouri

Missouri reports an obesity prevalence rate of 36.4%. The state is famous for the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis, a symbol of westward expansion.

• Asian Adults have a 12.4% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 35.5% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 36.5% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 33.6% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 42.6% obesity rate.

40. South Dakota

Taking the fortieth spot is South Dakota, beating Missouri by only 0.4%; it has an obesity rate of 36.8%.

• White Adults have a 35.2% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 41.2% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 44.1% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 28.9% obesity rate.

41. Georgia

Known for its southern hospitality and diverse landscapes, Georgia reports an obesity prevalence rate of precisely 37.0%.

• Asian Adults have a 14.7% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 32.6% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 33.4% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 32.9% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 42.8% obesity rate.

42. Iowa

Iowa follows closely with an obesity prevalence rate of 37.4%.

• Asian Adults have an 11.8% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 37.1% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 37.1% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 44.8% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 41.9% obesity rate.

43. Arkansas

The residents of Arkansas tied with Iowa, coming in at an obesity rate of a whopping 37.4%.

• White Adults have a 36.6% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 33.5% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 28.4% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 46.6% obesity rate.

44. Wisconsin

While Wisconsin has a strong community, it is placed at forty-fourth with a 37.7% obesity rate. 

• Asian Adults have a 17.7% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 33.8% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 35.5% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 42.3% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 49.8% obesity rate.

45. Indiana

Despite its racing culture, Indiana reports an obesity prevalence rate of 37.7%, the same as the state of Wisconsin. 

• Asian Adults have a 8.2% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 36.7% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 39.2% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 36.6% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 44% obesity rate.

46. Kentucky

With a three-way tie between the last two states and Kentucky, it shares the same obesity prevalence rate of 37.7%.

• White Adults have a 38% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 40.2% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 37.6% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 44.7% obesity rate.

47. Delaware

A small Mid-Atlantic U.S. state, Delaware, has an average obesity rate of 37.9%, which is considered high.

• Asian Adults have an 18.3% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 33.5% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 35.9% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 40.1% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 46.3% obesity rate.

48. Ohio

With a mix of metropolitan areas and rural landscapes, Ohio reports an obesity prevalence rate of 38.1%.

• Asian Adults have a 12.8% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 36.7% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 36.3% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 35.1% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 43.9% obesity rate.

49. Alabama

Alabama follows closely with an obesity prevalence rate of 38.3%.

• White Adults have a 36% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 36.8% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 42.6% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 49.3% obesity rate.

50. Tennessee

Coming in at fiftieth in all the states, Tennessee’s population has a whopping 38.9% obesity rate, which is one of the highest ones across the country. 

• White Adults have a 35% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 34.8% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 31.6% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 46.4% obesity rate.

51. Mississippi

Mississippi has an obesity prevalence rate of 39.5%. As a state deeply rooted in the blues and Southern traditions, Mississippi faces the challenge of addressing health disparities associated with obesity.

• Asian Adults have a 23.3% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 34.8% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 44.7% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 30.5% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 47.5% obesity rate.

52. Oklahoma

Crossing the hefty 40.0% when it comes to the rate of obese people, Oklahoma has one of the most unhealthy food habits in the US.

• Asian Adults have a 13.7% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 37.4% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 39.7% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 45.9% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 46.1% obesity rate.

53. Louisiana

Louisiana follows closely with an obesity prevalence rate of 40.1%. Known for its vibrant Creole culture, jazz music, and Cajun cuisine, Louisiana’s residents navigate several health challenges.

• Asian Adults have a 19.9% obesity rate.
• White Adults have a 36.1% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 35.4% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 43.7% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 46.5% obesity rate.

54. West Virginia

The highest rate of obesity is found in the state of West Virginia, with 41.0% of the population being obese. This is 9 less than 50, meaning a little less than half of the people here are unfit. 

• White Adults have a 40.3% obesity rate.
• Hispanic Adults have a 41.1% obesity rate.
• American Indian Adults have a 37.1% obesity rate.
• Black Adults have a 42% obesity rate.