JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Having a little extra weight is hardly a unique phenomenon, but WalletHub reported that it happens at a higher rate in Mississippi than almost every other state.
Obesity rates in Mississippi have dramatically increased over the last few decades. It was 15% in 1990 and 23.7% in 2000. In 2023, just over 40% of all Mississippi adults were obese. The extra pounds have a huge price tag. In Mississippi, it is $56 million in annual weight-related health care costs. This contributed to WalletHub ranking Mississippi as the second most overweight and obese state nationally.
The last time WalletHub conducted an obesity study was in 2023. Over those two years, many related health statistics have become worse across Mississippi. Below is an overview.
Share of obese adults
- 2023: 4th highest
- 2025: 3rd highest
Share of overweight children
- 2023: 5th
- 2025: 3rd
Share of obese children
- 2023: 4th
- 2025: Highest in the U.S.
Share of inactive adults
- 2023 and 2025: Highest
Share of adults with high cholesterol
- 2023: 10th
- 2025: 14th
Share of adults eating less than one serving of fruits/vegetables daily
- 2023 and 2025: 2nd
Share of adults with type two diabetes
- 2023: 3rd
- 2025: 2nd
Share of adults with hypertension
- 2023 and 2025: Highest
Nine of the ten most obese states are in the South. According to WalletHub, the country’s 15 most obese metros are in the same region. It ranked Jackson as the third most obese nationally. Capitol city residents are plagued with many of the same obesity-related health issues as residents across the state…