A Closer Look at Obesity: Who It Affects, Why It's Rising, and What We Can Do

Obesity: The Story Behind the Numbers

Obesity is more than just a statistic—it's the real-life story of millions of people across the globe, facing daily challenges with courage and resilience. Right now, over 1 billion individuals worldwide—about one in every eight people—are living with obesity. In the United States, nearly three out of four adults tip the scales as either overweight or obese. This isn’t just a number; it’s a profound shift that has doubled since 1990 for adults, and for young people ages 5 to 19, the prevalence has quadrupled from just 2% to 8% since 1990.

Obesity Across the States: A Patchwork of Challenges

If you zoom in on a map of the U.S., you’ll find that not everyone is facing the same odds. In 23 states, more than 35% of adults are considered obese as of 2023. States like West Virginia (41.2%), Mississippi (40.1%), Arkansas (40.0%), Louisiana (39.9%), and Alabama (39.2%) bear the heaviest burdens. On the other end, places such as Colorado (24.9%), Hawaii (26.1%), Massachusetts (27.4%), and California (27.7%) boast the lowest rates.

Who Is Most Affected?

When we break it down by age, the picture looks like this:

• Ages 20–39: 39.8% are obese

• Ages 40–59: 44.3% are obese

• Ages 60 and over: 41.5% are obese

By gender, the rates separate slightly:

• Men: 39.2% are obese

• Women: 41.3% are obese

Sadly, the struggles start young—almost 20% of U.S. kids and teens (ages 2–19) live with obesity, a rate that’s more than tripled since the 1970s.

The Uneven Burden: Racial and Ethnic Disparities

Obesity doesn't impact all communities equally. Here’s how state lines and backgrounds intersect:

• Black adults: Obesity prevalence ≥35% in 38 states

• Hispanic adults: ≥35% in 34 states

• American Indian/Alaska Native adults: ≥35% in 30 states

• White adults: ≥35% in 16 states

• Asian adults: No state with ≥35% prevalence

Behind each statistic is a patchwork of cultural, social, and economic factors—reminding us that health is not just personal, but shaped by community.

The Big Picture: Trends and Tough Questions

Since the early 1960s, obesity rates in U.S. adults have tripled. While national rates have leveled off since 2020, they remain far above the federal target of 36% for 2030. Even as overall numbers stabilize, severe obesity is still on an upward trajectory.

Health Impacts: More Than Just a Number

Obesity raises the risk of:

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Type 2 diabetes

• Several forms of cancer

• Respiratory illnesses

• Mental health challenges

Behind every diagnosis is a person who deserves understanding, support, and respect.

Why Does Obesity Happen?

It’s tempting to chalk obesity up to eating too much and moving too little. Reality is far more complex: genetics, hormones, environment, social pressures, and modern conveniences all play roles. Think of the countless fast, high-calorie options in every supermarket, the devices saving us steps throughout the day, the long stretches of sitting, and neighborhoods that just aren’t built for walking or play. Sometimes, the simple act of being active isn’t simple at all.

Why the Differences Between States?

Why does Colorado have significantly lower obesity rates than Mississippi? It comes down to a mix of healthier lifestyles, socioeconomic stability, easy access to nutritious foods, better education, and communities that encourage movement. In states like Mississippi, higher rates are linked to poverty, food insecurity, and fewer resources for healthy living.

The Power of Movement: What Helps

No matter where you start, there's hope. People living with obesity can experience incredible benefits from both strength training and cardio exercise. While lifting weights or strength work might not drop pounds quickly, it builds muscle—boosting energy use and improving daily function, like standing up from a chair more easily. Cardio keeps the heart healthy and burns calories.

Remember

Every number in this story represents someone’s journey—a struggle, a triumph, a hope for change. Compassion, support, and small, consistent steps make the difference. Whether you're walking around the block or lifting your own body weight, each positive choice is a meaningful step toward better health for everyone.

Exercise Plan

	Muscular Programming	Cardio Programming
Frequency	2-3 days per week with a rest day between sessions	As many days of the week as possible, working up to at least five days per week
Intensity	8-12 repetitions for 2-4 sets, moderate level (60-70% of what you can lift in one repetition)	Moderate intensity—able to talk comfortably while exercising and should feel “somewhat hard”
Time	20-30 minutes per session	30-60 minutes per day—can be one session or multiple shorter bouts throughout the day
Type	All major muscle groups; includes seated exercises; avoid excessive lunges/squats to protect knees and back	Low-impact, rhythmic exercises using large muscle groups; weight-bearing (brisk walking) or non-weight bearing (cycling, swimming) as appropriate

• Muscular Programming Cautions:

  Emphasize seated movements; use care with lunges/squats, especially for those with knee or back concerns.

• Cardio Programming Flexibility:

  Both single long sessions and several short bouts each day are effective. Opt for low-impact forms to minimize joint stress.

References

1. American Council on Exercise. (2020). The exercise professional’s guide to personal training.

2. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Obesity and overweight. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

3. World Obesity Federation. (n.d.). World Obesity Day: All countries significantly off track to meet 2025 WHO targets on obesity. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.worldobesity.org/news/world-obesity-day-all-countries-significantly-off-track-to-meet-2025-who-targets-on-obesity

4. World Obesity Federation. (n.d.). Missing the targets: Executive summary. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.worldobesityday.org/assets/downloads/WOF-Missing-the-targets-executive-summary.pdf

5. Henry Ford Health System. (2025, February). American obesity rates are increasing. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.henryford.com/blog/2025/02/american-obesity-rates-are-increasing

6. World Health Organization. (2024, March 1). One in eight people are now living with obesity. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.who.int/news/item/01-03-2024-one-in-eight-people-are-now-living-with-obesity

7. World Obesity Federation. (n.d.). Prevalence of obesity. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.worldobesity.org/about/about-obesity/prevalence-of-obesity

8. Bleich, S. N., Vercammen, K. A., Zatz, L. Y., Frelier, J. M., Ebbeling, C. B., & Peeters, A. (2013). Interventions to prevent global childhood overweight and obesity: A systematic review. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 1(2), 101–110. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29066096/

9. Ng, M., Fleming, T., Robinson, M., Thomson, B., Graetz, N., Margono, C., ... & Gakidou, E. (2014). Global, regional, and national prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adults during 1980–2013: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. The Lancet, 384(9945), 766–781. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(14)60460-8

10. World Population Review. (n.d.). Healthiest states in the U.S. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/healthiest-states

    
    

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