Most Overweight US States

• West Virginia is the most overweight state in the U.S., with 32% of its population experiencing obesity.
• Diabetes rates are especially high across the South, where an average of 14% of residents report living with the condition.
• Alabama and Mississippi have the highest obesity rates in the country, with 32.2% of their population recording a body mass index above 30. 

Nearly 75% of U.S. adults are classified as overweight or obese, with the highest rates concentrated in the South and Midwest regions. A new study by CasinooftheKings aimed to identify the most overweight states in the US by examining three key health weight factors. 

The study measured the share of adults who are overweight (BMI 25–30), obese (BMI 30–40), or severely obese (BMI over 40) to create a state-level overweight index, ranking states from the most health problems to the least. It also considered contextual factors like physical inactivity, diabetes rates, daily sugary drink consumption, and online interest in weight loss.

Here is the summary of the findings:

West Virginia is the most overweight state in the US, with an index of 100. Nearly 32% of adults are classified as overweight or obese, and 9.2% are severely obese, the largest share in the entire country. Physical inactivity is a major factor, with a third of residents not engaging in regular exercise. The state’s residents also stand out with diabetes rates, which are at 14.4%, the highest in the country.

Alabama takes second place with an overweight index of 99. The state has the highest proportion of obese adults at 32.2% and a large overweight population at 32.7%, both slightly above West Virginia’s rates. These figures are reflected in health outcomes, with 13.4% of adults living with diabetes.

Arkansas is the third most overweight state in the US, with an index of 98. Over 60% of residents have a BMI above 25, and 8% are classified as severely obese, bringing the total overweight population close to 70%. Low physical activity contributes to these numbers, with 31% of residents not engaging in regular exercise.

Mississippi follows in close fourth place with an overweight index of 97. Physical inactivity is widespread, as 33.2% of residents do not engage in regular exercise, while 64% consume at least one sugary drink per day. These lifestyle factors contribute to high weight levels, with over a third of the population classified as overweight and a similar share as obese.

Iowa rounds out the top five most overweight US states with an index of 96. More than a third of adults, 34.4%, are considered overweight, while 7% are severely obese. Reflecting these trends, residents are actively seeking weight loss tips, with a rate of 4.6K online searches.

Louisiana takes sixth place with an overweight index of 95. Daily routines play a big role in the state’s health profile: 68% of residents drink at least one sugary beverage each day. These habits coincide with an overweight population of 32% and an obese population of 31%. Almost 9% are classified as severely obese, the second-highest obesity rate in the country.

Indiana comes in seventh as one of the US’s most overweight states, getting an overweight index of 94. More than a third of adults, 33.3%, are overweight, which is two percent higher than in Mississippi. The state also ties with Alabama, as 7% of residents are severely obese. 

Nebraska ranks eighth with an index of 93. Around a quarter of residents report not engaging in regular exercise, a factor contributing to 70% of the population having a BMI over 25. Obesity concerns are also evident in public behavior, with a rate of 5.1K searches seeking weight loss advice.

North Dakota claims ninth place, holding an overweight index of 92. The state has the country’s highest share of overweight adults at 35.8%, while exercise participation remains low, with 75% of residents inactive. However, interest in managing weight is the highest, reflected in 5.9K inquiries for weight loss. 

Delaware takes tenth place, finishing off the list of the most overweight US states with an index of 91. Nearly 36% of adults are overweight, and 29% are classified as obese, tying with North Dakota. Health-conscious behaviors are still common, as residents look up weight loss tips nearly 6K times.

A spokesperson from CasinooftheKings commented, “Rising weight levels in certain states aren’t just numbers; they reflect deeper lifestyle and environmental patterns. High rates of inactivity, sugary beverage consumption, and limited access to healthy options all combine to create communities at greater health risk. Addressing obesity requires more than individual effort; it’s about shaping environments where healthy choices are easier and supporting residents with accessible resources and education.”