Reports

September | 2024

State of Obesity 2024: Better Policies for a Healthier America

This report tracks U.S. obesity rates by state, race, gender, and age and offers policy solutions. Obesity rates nationwide continue to be at epidemic levels and are predominantly highest in communities experiencing barriers to healthy eating and those with few opportunities for physical activity.

September | 2023

State of Obesity 2023: Better Policies for a Healthier America

This 2023 version is the 20th annual report on the antecedents and rates of obesity in the U.S. as well as policy solutions. Since TFAH first published the State of Obesity report in 2004, rates of adult and child and adolescent obesity are up sharply, particularly in communities experiencing barriers to healthy eating and few opportunities for physical activity.

September | 2022

State of Obesity 2022: Better Policies for a Healthier America

Trust for America’s Health’s (TFAH) 19th annual report on the nation’s obesity crisis found that 19 states have obesity rates over 35 percent, up from 16 states in 2021, and that social and economic factors are key drivers of increasing obesity rates. The report includes data by race, age, and state of residence and recommendations for policy action.

September | 2021

State of Obesity 2021: Better Policies for a Healthier America

Trust for America’s Health’s (TFAH) 18th annual report on the nation’s obesity crisis found that sixteen states have adult obesity rates at 35 percent or higher, up from 12 states in 2019 and that social and economic factors linked to obesity were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

September | 2020

The State of Obesity 2020: Better Policies for a Healthier America

The U.S. adult obesity rate tops 40 percent; highest ever recorded. COVID-19 related food insecurity puts more Americans at risk for obesity or worsening obesity.

September | 2019

U.S. Obesity Rates Reach Historic Highs – Racial, Ethnic, Gender and Geographic Disparities Continue to Persist

Report calls for sugary drink taxes, expanded SNAP and WIC Nutrition support programs and a built environment that encourages physical activity to help address health crisis.

Students eating during their lunch break

September | 2018

The State of Obesity 2018: Better Policies for a Healthier America

Each year, the "State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America" report highlights the latest obesity trends as well as strategies, policies, programs, and practices that can reverse the epidemic. The report also details the level of commitment necessary to effectively fight obesity on a large scale and includes key recommendations for specific actions. This is the 15th annual State of Obesity report by TFAH and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Young female doctor measuring waist of overweight woman with centimeter in clinic

August | 2017

The State of Obesity 2017: Better Policies for a Healthier America

State of Obesity is the 14th annual report by TFAH and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This edition, summarizing national and state level obesity trends, finds adult obesity rates are showing signs of leveling off—but progress could be eroded if programs are cut and policies are weakened.

November | 2016

Special Issue Brief: Obesity Rates Among WIC Children

This special brief includes an analysis and discussion of obesity rates among young children enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

September | 2016

The State of Obesity 2016

Better Policies for a Healthier America

Public Health Infrastructure in Crisis: HHS Workforce Cuts, Reorganizations, and Funding Reductions: Impacts and Solutions