For the First Time in Over a Decade.. The Number of U.S. States with High Obesity Rates Decreases

SadaNews - For the first time in over a decade, the number of U.S. states reporting obesity rates of 35% or more has decreased, a hopeful sign that the obesity epidemic in the United States may be on the path to improvement. However, cuts to federal staff and reductions in programs aimed at combating chronic diseases could threaten this progress, according to a new report released today, Thursday.

According to an analysis of the latest data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the obesity rates in 19 states reached 35% or more in 2024, down from 23 states the previous year. The CDC's data was analyzed by the non-profit organization "Trust for America's Health".

This group's analysis follows a report from the CDC released last year, which concluded that the overall obesity rate in the United States is high but stable, affecting about 40% of the population.

Although the decrease is a positive sign, it is "too early to label it as a trend," according to Dr. Nadine Gracia, president and CEO of "Trust for America's Health".

With recent cuts in federal funding, staff layoffs, and program cancellations, "this potential progress is also at risk," Gracia said.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services stated in an email that the administration is "optimistic about the new data showing progress in combating obesity".