Obesity rates in Arkansas in 2024

What is the obesity rate in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, 36.4% of the adult population is obese, according to the Behavioral Risk Factor Monitoring System

The age group with the highest adult incidence of obesity is 35 - 44 years old with 44.7% of this population. The obesity rate is higher for Female (39.1%) in Arkansas. Find also the relationship between income/education and obesity in Arkansas.

Defining Adult Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to define healthy, overweight and obesity. Use the BMI Calculator to find your BMI.

  • If your BMI is < 18.5: Underweight range.
  • If your BMI is 18.5 to <25: Healthy weight range.
  • If your BMI is 25.0 to <30: Overweight range.
  • If your BMI <= 30.0: Obesity range.

Obesity rates evolution in Arkansas

Year Obesity rate in Arkansas Obesity rate in the USA
2011 30.9% 27.4%
2012 34.5% 27.7%
2013 34.6% 28.3%
2014 35.9% 28.9%
2015 34.5% 28.9%
2016 35.7% 29.6%
2017 35% 30.1%
2018 37.1% 30.9%
2019 37.4% 31.4%
2020 36.4% 31.9%

Obesity rates by age group in Arkansas

What age group has the highest obesity rate in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, the age group with the highest incidence of obesity is 35 - 44 years old. 44.7% of the population is obese.

The age group with the lowest obesity rate is 18 - 24 years old, with 27.1% of this population.

  • 27.1% of people 18 - 24 years old are obese.
  • 34.1% of people 25 - 34 years old are obese.
  • 44.7% of people 35 - 44 years old are obese.
  • 42% of people 45 - 54 years old are obese.
  • 41.5% of people 55 - 64 years old are obese.
  • 30.5% of people 65 or older years old are obese.

Obesity rates by age group in Arkansas

Age range Obesity rate in Arkansas Sample size
18 - 24 27.1% 176
25 - 34 34.1% 346
35 - 44 44.7% 432
45 - 54 42% 562
55 - 64 41.5% 837
65 or older 30.5% 2,343

Obesity rates by gender in Arkansas

Which gender has the highest rate of obesity in Arkansas?

The obesity rate is higher for Females (39.1%) in Arkansas. Male obesity rate is 33.8%.

An important risk factor for the onset of obesity is gender. In the majority of the population, women have a twice-as-high risk of being overweight or obese. In addition, women have a twofold higher mortality risk than overweight men and are more likely to experience physical and psychological comorbidities associated with obesity.

Obesity rates by gender in Arkansas

Year Females Males
2011 31.2% 30.7%
2012 35.1% 34%
2013 34.1% 35.2%
2014 36% 35.8%
2015 33.9% 35.1%
2016 39.4% 32.1%
2017 37.4% 32.8%
2018 39.4% 34.9%
2019 39% 35.9%
2020 39.1% 33.8%

Obesity rates by income and education in Arkansas

In Arkansas, the income group with the highest incidence of obesity is $50,000 - $74,999. 41.2% of the population is obese.

The income group with the lowest obesity rate is $75,000 or greater, with 32.6% of this population.

  • 37.1% of people Less than $15,000 yearly income in Arkansas are obese.
  • 39.1% of people $15,000 - $24,999 yearly income in Arkansas are obese.
  • 40.2% of people $25,000 - $34,999 yearly income in Arkansas are obese.
  • 39% of people $35,000 - $49,999 yearly income in Arkansas are obese.
  • 41.2% of people $50,000 - $74,999 yearly income in Arkansas are obese.
  • 32.6% of people $75,000 or greater yearly income in Arkansas are obese.

Use our BMI calculator for women or our BMI calculator for men to find what your BMI.

Obesity rates by income in Arkansas

Yearly income Obesity rate
Less than $15,000 37.1%
$15,000 - $24,999 39.1%
$25,000 - $34,999 40.2%
$35,000 - $49,999 39%
$50,000 - $74,999 41.2%
$75,000 or greater 32.6%

Obesity rates by education in Arkansas

Education group Obesity rate
College graduate 33.6%
High school graduate 37.8%
Less than high school 41.4%
Some college or technical school 37.8%