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UNDATED, Mich. -- Obesity rates in Michigan have risen, making it the 17th most obese state in the United States, according to the Trust for America's Health State of Obesity report released on Thursday (October 16). The report, which uses data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), reveals that over 36 percent of adults in Michigan are classified as obese in 2025.
The report indicates that while the number of states with obesity rates above 35 percent has decreased from 23 to 19, the overall national obesity rate remains alarmingly high, with four in ten American adults affected. West Virginia, Mississippi, and Louisiana lead the nation with the highest obesity rates, each with around 40 percent of adults classified as obese.
Trust for America's Health highlights concerns about recent federal budget cuts affecting public health programs aimed at combating obesity. These cuts threaten the progress made in reducing obesity rates and impact programs that support nutrition and physical activity.
Newsweek reports that obesity is linked to various health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The economic impact is significant, with obesity-related medical bills exceeding $261 billion annually.
The report also emphasizes the need for continued investment in programs that address structural barriers to healthy living, particularly in rural and underserved communities. As CDC data shows, obesity prevalence is higher among adults aged 40 to 59 and those with lower education levels.
As Michigan grapples with rising obesity rates, public health officials stress the importance of reversing funding cuts and enhancing programs that promote healthy lifestyles.