Obesity Trends (Data)

The words "pandemic" and "epidemic" have been used to describe the dramatic upward trends seen in adults and children. According to the World Health Organization, the United States has the greatest incidence of overweight persons and obesity in the world. The prevalence of obesity has increased steadily and is at epidemic levels. Results from the 2021-2023 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), using measured heights and weights, indicate that an estimated 40.3 percent of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese.

According to 2023 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alabama's rate of adult obesity is 39.2 percent, which places the state in the fifth highest position in the nation. Visit the CDC for more information.

According to 2021 data, the rate of obesity for youth in Alabama is 13.9 percent (high school students). Visit the CDC for more information.

• State of Obesity Report
• Obesity Map of Alabama by Public Health Districts 2019
• Percentage of Obesity by County, Alabama 2018
• Obesity Map of Alabama by Public Health Areas 2016
• Map of Alabama Counties with Over 40% Obese Adults
• Alabama Age-Adjusted Obesity Prevalence 2009 and 2007
• BMI Statistics for Alabama 2013
• National Institute for Children's Health Quality - Childhood Obesity Resources
• Obesity Rates Among Kindergartners and Third Graders
• Childhood Obesity Statistics: Alabama
• Center for Child and Adolescent Health
• Alabama Obesity Statistics for People with Disabilities