Obesity Statistics in US 2025 | US Obesity Rate

Obesity Rate in the US 2025

The obesity epidemic continues to plague the United States as one of the most significant public health challenges of our generation. Based on the latest official Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, obesity statistics in US 2025 reveal alarming trends that demand immediate attention from healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities nationwide. The current data shows that more than 2 in 5 U.S. adults have obesity, representing over 100 million adults with this chronic condition that significantly impacts both individual health outcomes and the nation’s healthcare system.

The US obesity rate 2025 statistics demonstrate that obesity has evolved from a personal health concern to a national crisis with far-reaching economic and social implications. According to the most recent official CDC findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the prevalence of adult obesity reached 40.3% during August 2021–August 2023, while severe obesity affected 9.4% of the adult population. These figures represent more than 100 million adults with obesity and over 22 million adults with severe obesity, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive intervention strategies and evidence-based treatment approaches.

Key Obesity Stats & Facts in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC NCHS Data Brief No. 508, September 2024; CDC BRFSS 2023

The obesity statistics in US 2025 reveal disturbing trends that underscore the complexity of this chronic disease. The $173 billion in annual medical expenditures represents a staggering economic burden on the healthcare system, with individuals with obesity paying $1,861 more annually compared to those with healthy weight. For those with severe obesity, the additional costs reach $3,097 per person annually, demonstrating the escalating financial impact of this epidemic.

Furthermore, the health complications associated with obesity are equally concerning. 58% of U.S. adults with obesity have high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease, while approximately 23% have diabetes. These comorbidities significantly increase healthcare utilization and costs while reducing quality of life for millions of Americans. The data clearly shows that obesity is not simply about weight but represents a complex chronic disease with multiple health ramifications.

Adult Obesity Prevalence Trends in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC NCHS Data Brief No. 508, September 2024

The obesity prevalence trends in the US 2025 data reveals both concerning patterns and some stabilization in recent years. From 1999-2000 through August 2021-August 2023, the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity increased dramatically from 30.5% to 40.3%, representing a 32% relative increase over approximately two decades. However, the data shows that from 2013-2014 through August 2021-August 2023, the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity did not change significantly, suggesting a potential plateau in the epidemic’s growth.

The severe obesity trends tell a different story, showing continued increases from 7.7% in 2013-2014 to 9.7% in August 2021-August 2023. This 26% relative increase in severe obesity over the 10-year period is particularly alarming, as severe obesity is associated with greater health risks, higher medical costs, and more complex treatment requirements. The fact that severe obesity continues to rise even as overall obesity rates have stabilized suggests that the obesity epidemic is becoming more severe in nature, with more individuals progressing to the highest risk categories.

Age-Related Obesity Patterns in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC NCHS Data Brief No. 508, September 2024

The age-related obesity patterns in the US 2025 demonstrate significant variations across different life stages, with middle-aged adults experiencing the highest rates of obesity. Adults aged 40-59 years have the highest obesity prevalence at 46.4%, which is significantly higher than both younger adults aged 20-39 years (35.5%) and older adults aged 60 years and older (38.9%). This pattern holds true for both men and women, suggesting that middle age represents a critical period for obesity development and intervention.

The severe obesity patterns by age reveal additional concerning trends. While the overall rate is 9.4%, adults aged 40-59 years have the highest severe obesity rate at 12.0%, followed by younger adults at 9.5% and older adults at 6.6%. Notably, women have consistently higher rates of severe obesity across all age groups, with an overall rate of 12.1% compared to 6.7% for men. This gender disparity in severe obesity suggests different biological, social, or behavioral factors that contribute to weight gain patterns between men and women.

Educational Disparities in Obesity in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC NCHS Data Brief No. 508, September 2024

The educational disparities in obesity in the US 2025 reveal stark differences in obesity prevalence based on educational attainment. Adults with a bachelor’s degree or more have significantly lower obesity rates at 31.6% compared to those with high school diploma or less (44.6%) and those with some college education (45.0%). Interestingly, there was no significant difference between adults with a high school diploma or less and those with some college education, suggesting that the protective effect of education becomes apparent primarily at the college graduate level.

This educational gradient in obesity prevalence likely reflects multiple interconnected factors including income levels, access to healthy foods, knowledge about nutrition and health, neighborhood characteristics, and occupational factors. Adults with higher education levels may have greater access to resources that support healthy behaviors, including safer neighborhoods for physical activity, higher incomes to purchase nutritious foods, and greater health literacy to make informed dietary and lifestyle choices. The consistency of this pattern across both men and women suggests that educational interventions and policies addressing social determinants of health may be crucial components of comprehensive obesity prevention strategies.

Regional Obesity Distribution in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps 2023, BRFSS

The regional obesity distribution in the US 2025 shows significant geographic variations, with the Midwest (36.0%) and South (34.7%) having the highest prevalence of obesity, followed by the West (29.1%) and Northeast (28.6%). These regional differences reflect complex interactions between cultural, economic, environmental, and policy factors that influence obesity rates across different parts of the country.

Twenty-three states had an obesity prevalence of 35% or higher in 2023, including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Additionally, Guam and Puerto Rico also had obesity rates of at least 35%. At the other end of the spectrum, DC and Colorado had obesity prevalence between 20% and less than 25%, representing the lowest rates in the nation.

Racial and Ethnic Obesity Disparities in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC BRFSS 2021-2023 Combined Data

The racial and ethnic obesity disparities in the US 2025 reveal profound health inequities that demand targeted interventions and policy solutions. Non-Hispanic Black adults experience the most severe burden, with 38 states having obesity prevalence of 35% or higher in this population. Hispanic adults follow with 34 states at or above this threshold, while American Indian or Alaska Native adults have 30 states with similarly high rates.

These disparities reflect the complex interplay of structural racism, social determinants of health, and historical inequities that have created differential access to resources supporting healthy behaviors. Non-Hispanic Asian adults notably had no states with obesity prevalence at or above 35%, suggesting protective cultural, dietary, or genetic factors within these communities. However, it’s important to note that BMI may have different health implications across racial and ethnic groups, and these disparities represent significant opportunities for targeted public health interventions addressing root causes of health inequity.

Obesity-Related Health Complications in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC Adult Obesity Facts, Multiple NCHS Studies

The obesity-related health complications in the US 2025 represent a cascade of chronic diseases that significantly impact both individual health outcomes and healthcare system capacity. Hypertension affects 58% of adults with obesity, representing over 58 million individuals at increased risk for cardiovascular events. This comorbidity alone contributes billions of dollars in healthcare costs and represents a major driver of heart disease and stroke, which remain leading causes of death in the United States.

Diabetes affects approximately 23% of adults with obesity, or more than 23 million individuals, creating enormous demands on the healthcare system for ongoing management of this chronic condition. The combination of obesity and diabetes, often referred to as “diabesity,” creates particularly complex clinical scenarios requiring multidisciplinary care approaches, continuous monitoring, and substantial healthcare resources. These comorbidities also significantly increase the risk of additional complications including kidney disease, neuropathy, and cardiovascular events.

Economic Impact of Obesity in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC Economic Studies, NCHS Data Brief No. 508

The economic impact of obesity in the US 2025 represents one of the most significant healthcare cost drivers in the American economy, with $173 billion in direct medical expenditures annually. This staggering figure, calculated in 2019 dollars, likely underestimates the current economic burden given inflation and the continued growth in obesity-related healthcare utilization. The per-person costs are equally concerning, with adults with obesity paying $1,861 more annually than those with healthy weight, and those with severe obesity facing additional costs of $3,097 per person.

Beyond direct medical costs, the economic impact extends to lost productivity, increased absenteeism, reduced work capacity, and earlier retirement due to obesity-related disabilities. These indirect costs may equal or exceed direct medical costs, suggesting that the true economic burden of obesity could approach or exceed $300-400 billion annually. The disproportionate burden on public programs like Medicaid means that taxpayers bear a significant portion of these costs, making obesity prevention and treatment not just health imperatives but economic necessities for sustainable healthcare financing.

State-by-State Obesity Breakdown in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps 2023

The state-by-state obesity breakdown in the US 2025 reveals dramatic geographic disparities in obesity prevalence across the nation. Three states – Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia – have achieved the dubious distinction of having 40% or greater adult obesity rates, representing the most severe concentrations of this epidemic. Twenty states, plus Guam and Puerto Rico, have obesity rates between 35-40%, while 17 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands have rates between 30-35%.

At the other end of the spectrum, only DC and Colorado maintain obesity rates in the 20-25% range, representing the best-performing areas in the nation. Seven states have rates between 25-30%, primarily concentrated in the Western and Northeastern regions. These geographic patterns likely reflect differences in cultural norms, built environments, food systems, economic opportunities, educational levels, and state-level policies that influence population health behaviors and outcomes.

Severe Obesity Trends by Gender in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC NCHS Data Brief No. 508, September 2024

The severe obesity trends by gender in the US 2025 reveal striking disparities between men and women across all age groups. Women experience severe obesity at nearly twice the rate of men, with an overall prevalence of 12.1% compared to 6.7% for men. This gender disparity is consistent across all age groups, suggesting biological, hormonal, or social factors that differentially impact weight gain and maintenance between men and women.

The age patterns within each gender group also provide important insights. Among men, severe obesity peaks during ages 40-59 (9.2%) before declining in older adults 60+ (4.3%). Among women, severe obesity remains elevated across both younger 20-39 (13.0%) and middle-aged 40-59 (14.7%) groups before declining in older adults 60+ (8.4%). These patterns suggest that women may be more susceptible to severe weight gain during reproductive years and early midlife, while men may face increased risk primarily during middle age.

Geographic Obesity Hotspots in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC BRFSS 2023, Regional Analysis

The geographic obesity hotspots in the US 2025 reveal concentrated areas of high obesity prevalence that align with regions facing multiple socioeconomic challenges. The Deep South, including states like Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alabama, consistently ranks among the highest for obesity rates, reflecting complex interactions between historical factors, economic opportunities, food systems, and cultural norms around diet and physical activity.

The Appalachian region, particularly West Virginia, faces unique challenges including geographic isolation, limited economic opportunities, and historical dependence on industries that may not promote active lifestyles. Plains states like Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska deal with rural isolation, limited access to healthcare and recreational facilities, and food systems that may prioritize convenience over nutrition. The Industrial Midwest states such as Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana are experiencing economic transitions that have impacted employment, neighborhood stability, and access to resources supporting healthy behaviors.

Age-Specific Obesity Rate in the US 2025

Data Source: CDC BRFSS 2023 Age Analysis

The age-specific obesity rate in the US 2025 demonstrates clear life-course patterns in obesity development, with young adults aged 18-24 years having the lowest prevalence at 19.5% while adults aged 45-54 years experience the highest rates at 39.2%. This pattern suggests that obesity risk accumulates over the adult lifespan, with critical periods during career establishment, family formation, and midlife transitions when healthy behaviors may be more difficult to maintain.

The relatively low rates among the youngest adults provide both hope and concern – hope because it suggests that obesity is not inevitable and that young adults may be more responsive to prevention interventions, but concern because even at the lowest rates, nearly 1 in 5 young adults already has obesity. The peak rates during ages 45-54 likely reflect the cumulative impact of decades of weight gain, combined with metabolic changes, career stress, family responsibilities, and potentially declining physical activity levels that characterize this life stage for many Americans.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.