Louisiana is one of only two states in the nation to show a statistically significant decrease in its adult obesity rate, according to a new national report released by Trust for America’s Health.
The State of Obesity 2026: Better Policies for a Healthier America report found Louisiana’s adult obesity rate fell from 39.2% in 2024 to 35.6% in 2025. Louisiana now ranks 19th among states with the highest adult obesity rates, compared with third highest in 2024. West Virginia was the only other state to record a statistically significant decrease. No state experienced a statistically significant increase.
The report analyzes 2025 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Nationally, about 4 in 10 adults have obesity, and 21 states had adult obesity rates at or above 35% in 2025.
Obesity and other diet-related diseases are associated with a range of physical and mental health conditions, chronic disease and related complications, higher mortality, increased health care costs, and reduced quality of life. Many factors can influence obesity, including access to healthy food and opportunities for physical activity, as well as economic and community conditions.
Louisiana has made prevention and nutrition a central part of its efforts to improve health outcomes. The state’s work includes initiatives to increase access to healthy foods, encourage physical activity, prevent chronic disease, and help Louisianians make healthier choices.