HONOLULU (KHON2) — Obesity has become one of the most pressing health issues across the United States.
The latest maps from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that in 2023, every state and territory had an adult obesity rate above 20%. Hawaiʻi, long known for its rich culture and strong ties to ʻāina, is no exception.
Here’s what we found in the reports.
Hawaiʻi’s numbers
According to CDC data, 26.1% of adults in Hawaiʻi reported obesity in 2023. That number places Hawaiʻi below the national average.
In comparison, the Midwest recorded the highest prevalence at 36%, while the South followed at 34.7%. The West, which includes Hawaiʻi, stood at 29.1% overall.
Obesity prevalence also differs by race and ethnicity. In Hawaiʻi, 17.8% of non-Hispanic Asian adults reported obesity. The rate was higher for non-Hispanic White adults at 20.1%.
Amongst Hispanic adults in Hawaiʻi, the rate was 32.1%. For non-Hispanic Black adults, it was 28.1%.
Data for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults were not included in these tables, though their experiences remain critical in discussions about health equity. Fortunately, JABSOM is working on this.
Obesity and COVID-19
The onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the risks tied to obesity. The CDC notes that obesity is linked to impaired immune function and decreased lung capacity, both of which increase the chance of severe illness from COVID-19.
This connection has made the disease even more dangerous for people carrying excess weight.
During 2017 to 2020, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black adults in the U.S. had higher rates of obesity than other groups. They also experienced worse outcomes from COVID-19.
Amongst children, the disparities were similar. Overall, 19.7% of children had obesity. That number rose to 26.2% for Hispanic children and 24.8% for non-Hispanic Black children.
Education and age differences
The 2023 data also show a link between obesity rates and education levels. Adults without a high school diploma or equivalent had the highest prevalence of obesity at 36.5%.
Meanwhile, college graduates reported the lowest rate at 27.1%.
Obesity rates also varied by age. Adults ages 18 to 24 had the lowest prevalence at 19.5%. Middle-aged adults carried the highest rate, with 39.2% of those ages 45 to 54 reporting obesity.
Looking forward
The CDC stresses that individuals and communities can take steps to lower obesity and its related risks.
Eating nutritious foods, staying active, getting enough sleep and managing stress all play a role. Vaccination against COVID-19 also remains a critical tool for protection, according to the CDC.
For Hawaiʻi, the data point to a challenge that extends beyond numbers. Obesity touches families, keiki and kūpuna alike.
You can click here for the CDC obesity report and here for the COVID-19 and obesity report.
It also reveals differences between groups that deserve attention. As the state continues to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, understanding and addressing these patterns may help Hawaiʻi build a healthier future.