Overview
- The report evaluates all 50 states and Washington, D.C., across three dimensions—prevalence, health consequences, and food and fitness—using 31 metrics scored on a 100‑point scale to produce weighted overall scores.
- Top placements show West Virginia, Mississippi, and Arkansas with the highest combined burdens, while Colorado, Utah, and Massachusetts post the lowest scores.
- CDC data cited in the coverage note that about four in 10 U.S. adults are obese and one in 10 are severely obese, underscoring the national scope behind state differences.
- Pennsylvania ranks 25th overall, and WalletHub highlights West Virginia with about 42% of adults obese and 31% overweight, estimating obesity‑linked health issues cost the state over $58 million annually.
- State specifics from Arkansas include the second‑highest adult obesity rate, fifth‑highest share of obese children, and high physical inactivity, with WalletHub analysts pointing to factors like school lunch standards, access to fresh food, and places to exercise.