What to know
Overview
The CDC 2023 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps for 48 states, the District of Columbia, and 3 U.S. territories show the proportion of adults with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 ( ≥30 kg/m2) based on self-reported weight and height. Data are presented by race/ethnicity and location. The data come from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an ongoing state-based, telephone interview survey conducted by CDC and state health departments.
The 2023 maps show that obesity impacts some groups more than others. There are notable differences by race and ethnicity, as shown by combined data from 2021–2023.
See adult BMI categories.
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Across states and territories
In 2023, all U.S. states and territories had an obesity prevalence higher than 20% (more than 1 in 5 adults). Overall, the Midwest (36.0%) and South (34.7%) had the highest prevalence of obesity, followed the West (29.1%) and the Northeast (28.6%).
- DC and Colorado had an obesity prevalence between 20% and less than 25%.
- Seven states had an obesity prevalence between 25% and less than 30%.
- 17 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands had an obesity prevalence between 30% and less than 35%.
- 20 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico had an obesity prevalence between 35% and less than 40%.
- Three states (Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia) had an obesity prevalence of 40% or greater.
By race and ethnicity
Combined BRFSS data from 2021–2023 show notable differences in adult obesity prevalence by race and ethnicity. Among states, territories, or DC with enough data, the number with an obesity prevalence of 35% or higher is:
- Non-Hispanic Asian adults: 0 (among 38 states, 1 territory, and DC)
- Non-Hispanic White adults: 16 (among 47 states, 2 territories, and DC)
- Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native adults: 30 (among 45 states)
- Hispanic adults: 34 (among 47 states, 3 territories, and DC)
- Non-Hispanic Black adults: 38 (among 46 states, 1 territory, and DC)
By education level and age
In 2023, the prevalence of adult obesity decreased as education level increased.
- 36.5% of adults without a high school diploma or equivalent had obesity.
- 34.7% of adults with a high school diploma or equivalent had obesity.
- 35.7% of adults with some college education had obesity.
- 27.1% of college graduates had obesity.
In 2023, the prevalence of adult obesity varied by age.
- Young adults were half as likely to have obesity as middle-aged adults.
- Adults aged 18–24 years had the lowest prevalence of obesity (19.5%) while adults aged 45–54 years had the highest (39.2%).
Map: Overall Obesity
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 Obesity Based on Self-Reported Weight and Height by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2023
Map: Non-Hispanic Asian Adults
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 Obesity Based on Self-Reported Weight and Height Among Non-Hispanic Asian Adults by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2021–2023.
Map: Non-Hispanic White Adults
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 Obesity Based on Self-Reported Weight and Height Among Non-Hispanic White Adults by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2021–2023.
Map: Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native Adults
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 Obesity Based on Self-Reported Weight and Height Among Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native Adults, by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2021–2023
Map: Hispanic Adults
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 Obesity Based on Self-Reported Weight and Height Among Hispanic Adults by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2021–2023.
Map: Non-Hispanic Black Adults
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 Obesity Based on Self-Reported Weight and Height Among Non-Hispanic Black Adults by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2021–2023.
Related Information
Media Statement
CDC's media statement about the 2023 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps, released September 12, 2024.
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.
DNPAO Data, Trends, and Maps Database | Data, Trends, Maps | CDC
Interactive tool that provides additional obesity prevalence estimates by state and territory, as well as nutrition and physical activity indicators.
Health Equity Resources | DNPAO Programs | CDC
Notes on Images and Language
Download maps
Adult Obesity Maps by State and Territory, 2011–2023
Adult Race/Ethnicity Obesity Maps by State and Territory, 2021–2023
Suggested citation
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps. U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services; 2023.