America’s Obesity Epidemic: See Where New York Ranks

Routinely, the U.S. ranks at or near the top of the most obese countries in the world, and it’s a problem that is only getting worse, according to the Trust for America’s Health.

In 2018, nine U.S. states had an adult obesity rate above 35 percent, which is a staggering increase from 2012, when zero states exceeded that threshold. The report was based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and it’s the nonprofit’s 16th annual publication on the subject.

Our state was smaller than most, as it ranked 42nd overall in adult obesity. New York also finished 43rd in the percentage of adults with diabetes, and 24th in the percentage of adults who are physically inactive.

The report also breaks down obesity information by race, ethnicity and gender. Black adults in New York were the most likely to be obese, at 34.1 percent. On the other hand, men were more likely to be obese in our state — edging out women by a mere 0.6 percent — and overall ranked 43 in the country in obesity rate.

Adults suffering from obesity have an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and an assortment of different cancers. Obesity related health-care expenditures are additionally estimated to increase health care spending by $149 million annually.

“These latest data show that our national obesity crisis is getting worse,” said John Auerbach, president and CEO of Trust for America’s Health. “They tell us that almost 50 years into the upward curve of obesity rates we haven’t found the right mix of programs to stop the epidemic.”

The 2018 report outlines possible policy actions by federal, state and local government that would address the obesity crisis, including:

• Increase the price of sugary drinks through excise taxes and use the revenue to address health and socioeconomic disparities.
• Fully fund the Student Support and Academic Enrichment program and other federal programs that support student physical education.
• Cover evidence-based comprehensive pediatric weight-management programs and services in Medicaid.
• Expand the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children to age 6 for children and for two years postpartum for mothers and fully fund the WIC breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program.

Here are the top 10 most obese states in the country:

1. Mississippi: 39.5 percent of adults.
2. West Virginia: 39.5 percent of adults.
3. Arkansas: 37.1 percent of adults.
4. Louisiana: 36.8 percent of adults.
5. Kentucky: 36.6 percent of adults.
6. Alabama: 36.2 percent of adults.
7. Iowa: 35.3 percent of adults.
8. North Dakota: 35.1 percent of adults.
9. Missouri: 35.0 percent of adults.
10. Oklahoma: 34.8 percent of adults.

On the other end of the spectrum, Colorado has the lowest adult-obesity rate in the U.S. at 23 percent. California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Hawaii and the District of Columbia round out the five least obese locales.

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common, and potentially dangerous complications stemming from obesity. However, the disease is treatable, and even reversible in many cases. A commitment to healthy eating, a regimented exercise plan and the use of medication to manage your blood sugar can completely clear your body from diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.

West Virginia has the highest diabetes rate in the country, with 16.2 percent of the adult population.