Decrease in obesity rates in some U.S. states… but cuts to staff and health programs threaten gains

For the first time in over a decade, the United States has seen a decrease in the number of states reporting obesity rates of 35% or more, reflecting early signs of a potential improvement in the obesity epidemic.

An analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 2024 showed that only 19 states reported obesity rates of 35% or more, compared to 23 states in the previous year. This analysis was conducted by a nonprofit organization known as "Trust for America's Health".

Despite this positive decrease, Dr. Nadine Gracia, the organization's CEO, warned that it is too early to consider it a stable trend. She added that cuts to federal funding, layoffs, and the cancellation of some health programs could jeopardize this potential progress.

The CDC report confirms that the overall obesity rate in the United States remains high and stable at around 40% of the population, making the fight against chronic diseases associated with obesity an ongoing health priority.

For its part, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressed optimism about the new data, considering it a reflection of tangible progress in obesity prevention efforts.