Louisiana moves from third highest adult obesity rate in 2024 to 19th in 2025

Baton Rouge, La. (September 29, 2026) — 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.

“This is another sign that Louisiana is moving in the right direction when it comes to the health of our people,” said Gov. Jeff Landry. “We want every Louisianian — parents, children, and families in every part of our state — to have the opportunity to live healthier lives. Secretary Greenstein and the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) remain focused on improving health outcomes and moving our state up in national health rankings. We are encouraged by this progress, and we will keep working toward a stronger, healthier Louisiana for generations to come.”

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.

“We are lifting Louisiana from last in national health rankings, and we are seeing measurable progress,” said LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein. “We’ve recently reported improvements in opioid and behavioral health outcomes, we’re transforming how rural communities access and coordinate care, and now we’re seeing a significant decline in adult obesity. Moving from 39.2% to 35.6% in one year is a major step, but we are not finished. We are focused every day on reducing health risks, preventing chronic disease, and building systems that help Louisianians live longer, healthier lives.”

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.

“Moving Louisiana from third highest in adult obesity to 19th is real progress, and it shows what can happen when we make better health outcomes a priority,” said State Senator Patrick McMath. “By focusing on better nutrition, prevention, and giving Louisiana families the tools to make healthier choices, we are finally beginning to move the needle. There is still much more work ahead, but Louisiana is moving in the right direction.”

The State of Obesity 2026 report is published annually by Trust for America’s Health, a nonprofit, nonpartisan public health policy organization.