Obesity Soars: States See Alarming Rise Since 2013

Recent data analysis indicates a substantial rise in obesity rates across numerous U.S. states over the past decade, with many experiencing increases exceeding 25 percent between 2013 and 2023. New Mexico stands out, recording the most significant surge at 33.7 percent, pushing its current obesity rate to 35.3 percent and contributing to one of the nation's highest levels. This trend is observed even in states with better overall health scores, highlighting a widespread public health challenge.

Experts point to factors such as limited access to fitness facilities as potential drivers of this increase. For instance, New Mexico has a low density of 9 fitness facilities per 100,000 residents, correlating with its high obesity rate. Similarly, Minnesota and Oregon have also seen considerable jumps in obesity, with Minnesota experiencing a 30.6 percent rise and Oregon a 26.8 percent increase, despite having more fitness facilities per capita than New Mexico.

The analysis also touches upon broader health metrics and evolving definitions of obesity. While Idaho is recognized as the healthiest state and West Virginia has the highest obesity rate, the rising obesity trend affects diverse regions. Researchers are exploring updated obesity definitions beyond BMI, which could classify nearly 70 percent of American adults as obese, underscoring the pervasive nature of this health issue.