Obesity rates in Kentucky in 2024

What is the obesity rate in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, 36.6% 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 45 - 54 years old with 46.6% of this population. The obesity rate is higher for Male (37%) in Kentucky. Find also the relationship between income/education and obesity in Kentucky.

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 Kentucky

Year Obesity rate in Kentucky Obesity rate in the USA
2011 30.4% 27.4%
2012 31.3% 27.7%
2013 33.2% 28.3%
2014 31.6% 28.9%
2015 34.6% 28.9%
2016 34.2% 29.6%
2017 34.3% 30.1%
2018 36.6% 30.9%
2019 36.5% 31.4%
2020 36.6% 31.9%

Obesity rates by age group in Kentucky

What age group has the highest obesity rate in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, the age group with the highest incidence of obesity is 45 - 54 years old. 46.6% of the population is obese.

The age group with the lowest obesity rate is 18 - 24 years old, with 26.4% of this population.

  • 26.4% of people 18 - 24 years old are obese.
  • 35% of people 25 - 34 years old are obese.
  • 41.4% of people 35 - 44 years old are obese.
  • 46.6% of people 45 - 54 years old are obese.
  • 42.5% of people 55 - 64 years old are obese.
  • 28.4% of people 65 or older years old are obese.

Obesity rates by age group in Kentucky

Age range Obesity rate in Kentucky Sample size
18 - 24 26.4% 242
25 - 34 35% 426
35 - 44 41.4% 467
45 - 54 46.6% 574
55 - 64 42.5% 713
65 or older 28.4% 1,238

Obesity rates by gender in Kentucky

Which gender has the highest rate of obesity in Kentucky?

The obesity rate is higher for Males (37%) in Kentucky. Female obesity rate is 36.1%.

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 Kentucky

Year Females Males
2011 31.1% 29.6%
2012 31% 31.5%
2013 33.1% 33.3%
2014 29.9% 33.3%
2015 32.9% 36.2%
2016 35.2% 33.1%
2017 32.5% 36%
2018 36.8% 36.4%
2019 37.9% 35%
2020 36.1% 37%

Obesity rates by income and education in Kentucky

In Kentucky, the income group with the highest incidence of obesity is $35,000 - $49,999. 39.6% of the population is obese.

The income group with the lowest obesity rate is $50,000 - $74,999, with 36.2% of this population.

  • 38.5% of people Less than $15,000 yearly income in Kentucky are obese.
  • 38.2% of people $15,000 - $24,999 yearly income in Kentucky are obese.
  • 38.5% of people $25,000 - $34,999 yearly income in Kentucky are obese.
  • 39.6% of people $35,000 - $49,999 yearly income in Kentucky are obese.
  • 36.2% of people $50,000 - $74,999 yearly income in Kentucky are obese.
  • 36.2% of people $75,000 or greater yearly income in Kentucky are obese.

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

Obesity rates by income in Kentucky

Yearly income Obesity rate
Less than $15,000 38.5%
$15,000 - $24,999 38.2%
$25,000 - $34,999 38.5%
$35,000 - $49,999 39.6%
$50,000 - $74,999 36.2%
$75,000 or greater 36.2%

Obesity rates by education in Kentucky

Education group Obesity rate
College graduate 32.5%
High school graduate 34.5%
Less than high school 41.2%
Some college or technical school 39.1%