CDC Data Reveals Oklahoma Among States With Highest Obesity Rates

Recent data from the CDC reveals that Oklahoma ranks among the states with the highest rates of obesity.

Dr. Saran Oliver emphasizes the seriousness of this issue, highlighting how obesity significantly increases the risk of various serious health conditions, including cancer and heart disease.

The CDC identifies several contributing factors to the alarming obesity rates across the nation, with education level and age being key elements.

In 2023, the data indicates that 36.5% of adults without a high school diploma were classified as obese, compared to only 27.1% of those holding a college degree.

Additionally, the data points to racial and ethnic disparities in obesity rates. American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic, and Black adults experience obesity at significantly higher rates.

Dr. Oliver notes that these disparities are often linked to socioeconomic barriers that limit access to healthy options.

“Access to healthy foods in their neighborhoods, having safe places to walk in certain neighborhoods," Dr. Oliver said. "So, really, that goes back to having educational programs and funding programs to make sure everyone has access, regardless of economic level to healthy things.”

Dr. Oliver also stresses the long-term implications of obesity in children, stating that those who are obese in childhood are more likely to remain obese into adulthood.

To combat this trend, she encourages parents to work closely with pediatricians to establish and maintain healthy habits for their children.