See where obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke mortality rates are highest across the United States
Obesity can have a severe impact on health and everyday life. Excess fat can lead to cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke. It can also cause type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and even some cancers.
To raise awareness of America’s health crisis hotspots, the LookMeds research team ranked all fifty states and the District of Columbia across four key metrics to find which states are most at risk.
Sort the table below to see how your state ranked overall and see the data for each category.
Note: Table shows the full data for each state within each metric.
Below are the ten states with the highest prevalence of obesity and its related health factors.
Mississippi has the second-highest prevalence of obesity in the nation at 40.1, and 15.3% of the adult population has diagnosed diabetes. Mississippi also had some of the highest mortality rates when it came to heart disease and strokes, at 248 and 54.2, respectively.
Alabama saw an obesity prevalence of 39.2, with 14.9% of adults having been diagnosed with diabetes. Additionally, Alabama’s heart disease mortality rate is 234.2, the third-highest in the United States. The stroke mortality rate was also the third-highest at 51.1.
Louisiana comes in third for states with the highest rates of obesity and related health issues. The state has an obesity prevalence of 39.9. Also, 13.8% of the adult population has been diagnosed with diabetes. The heart disease mortality rate is 224, and the stroke mortality rate is 50.2, the fourth highest in the nation.
West Virginia ranks fourth in America’s health crisis hotspots. The state has the highest prevalence of obesity in the nation, at 41.2. It also has the highest diabetes rate, with 15.9% of the adult population having been diagnosed. However, it has lower mortality rates, with a heart disease mortality rate of 209.5 and a stroke mortality rate of 43.4, earning West Virginia fourth place.
Coming in fifth is Arkansas. It has the third-highest prevalence of obesity, at 40, and 12.3% of the adult population has been diagnosed with diabetes. Arkansas has the fourth-highest rate of heart disease mortality, at 224.1. Finally, the stroke mortality rate is 46.
Tennessee ranks sixth for states with the highest prevalence of obesity, with a 37.6 rate. Additionally, 13.7% of adults have been diagnosed with diabetes, which is the sixth highest rate in the nation. Finally, it has a heart disease mortality rate of 218.3 and a stroke mortality rate of 46.4.
Kentucky is the seventh state for America’s health crisis hotspots. With an obesity prevalence of 37.7 and a diabetes rate of 13.8%, Kentucky ranks above the national average in both categories. It also scores high above the national averages for heart disease and stroke mortality rates at 208.6 and 42.9, respectively.
Oklahoma comes in eighth place. The prevalence of obesity is above the national average at 38.7, and 12.6% of the adult population has diabetes. However, Oklahoma has the highest heart disease mortality rate in the nation at 257.1. It is only slightly above the national average for stroke mortality rate at 39.5.
Ohio has an obesity prevalence of 36.4, and of the adult population, 12.6% have been diagnosed with diabetes. It has a heart disease mortality rate of 193.9 and a stroke mortality rate of 46.5.
Finishing our list of America’s top health crisis hotspots is South Carolina. It has an obesity prevalence of 36 and a diabetes rate of 13.3%. Finally, the heart disease mortality rate is 177.7, and the stroke mortality rate is 45.6.
On the flip side, this data reveals which states are healthier, with lower rates of obesity and its related health concerns. Below, we explore the healthiest states overall and within each category.
Overall, Colorado ranks as number one for America’s healthiest state, having one of the lowest obesity rates in the nation and scoring below the national average in each category.
The District of Columbia takes first place with the lowest prevalence of obesity in the nation.
Colorado also ranks number for our second metric, with the lowest diabetes rate among the adult population.
Minnesota has the lowest heart disease mortality rates, earning it the top spot in this category.
New York has the lowest stroke mortality rates in the nation, placing it at number one for this metric.
To determine which states have the highest prevalence of obesity and related health issues, the LookMeds research team went to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Diabetes Association. We gathered data for all fifty states and the District of Columbia.
States with higher rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease mortality, and stroke mortality received lower scores. States with the lowest scores were then identified as “hotspots” for obesity and related health issues.
Obesity is more than a personal health concern; it’s a social challenge. States with the highest rates of obesity have an opportunity to take action and address this challenge. By investing in initiatives, improving access to nutritious foods, and creating safe spaces for exercising, states can build healthier communities.
However, systemic change begins with personal action. Those striving to manage their weight should embrace a balanced diet, incorporate physical activity into their daily routines, and seek support from healthcare providers and trusted friends. By taking these steps, you reduce your risk of disease and reclaim your energy.
Taking the first step towards weight loss is often the most challenging, but there are solutions available to help kickstart your journey. Tools like FDA-cleared weight loss medications, when combined with healthy lifestyle changes, can provide the boost you need. LookMeds offers affordable and effective solutions to help you achieve your health goals.
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