Obesity rates in South Carolina in 2023

What is the obesity rate in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, 36.2% 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 43.7% of this population. The obesity rate is higher for Female (39.4%) in South Carolina. Find also the relationship between income/education and obesity in South Carolina.

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 South Carolina

Year Obesity rate in South Carolina Obesity rate in the USA
2011 30.8% 27.4%
2012 31.6% 27.7%
2013 31.7% 28.3%
2014 32.1% 28.9%
2015 31.7% 28.9%
2016 32.3% 29.6%
2017 34.1% 30.1%
2018 34.3% 30.9%
2019 35.4% 31.4%
2020 36.2% 31.9%

Obesity rates by age group in South Carolina

What age group has the highest obesity rate in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the age group with the highest incidence of obesity is 35 - 44 years old. 43.7% of the population is obese.

The age group with the lowest obesity rate is 18 - 24 years old, with 21.2% of this population.

  • 21.2% of people 18 - 24 years old are obese.
  • 36.2% of people 25 - 34 years old are obese.
  • 43.7% of people 35 - 44 years old are obese.
  • 39.5% of people 45 - 54 years old are obese.
  • 43.3% of people 55 - 64 years old are obese.
  • 31.8% of people 65 or older years old are obese.

Obesity rates by age group in South Carolina

Age range Obesity rate in South Carolina Sample size
18 - 24 21.2% 268
25 - 34 36.2% 378
35 - 44 43.7% 385
45 - 54 39.5% 554
55 - 64 43.3% 708
65 or older 31.8% 1,411

Obesity rates by gender in South Carolina

Which gender has the highest rate of obesity in South Carolina?

The obesity rate is higher for Females (39.4%) in South Carolina. Male obesity rate is 33%.

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 South Carolina

Year Females Males
2011 33% 28.6%
2012 33% 30.1%
2013 33.4% 30.1%
2014 32.4% 31.7%
2015 33.1% 30.3%
2016 33.5% 31%
2017 35.1% 33%
2018 36.2% 32.3%
2019 36.8% 33.8%
2020 39.4% 33%

Obesity rates by income and education in South Carolina

In South Carolina, the income group with the highest incidence of obesity is $15,000 - $24,999. 46.6% of the population is obese.

The income group with the lowest obesity rate is $75,000 or greater, with 31.8% of this population.

  • 46.6% of people Less than $15,000 yearly income in South Carolina are obese.
  • 46.6% of people $15,000 - $24,999 yearly income in South Carolina are obese.
  • 40.1% of people $25,000 - $34,999 yearly income in South Carolina are obese.
  • 37.7% of people $35,000 - $49,999 yearly income in South Carolina are obese.
  • 34.9% of people $50,000 - $74,999 yearly income in South Carolina are obese.
  • 31.8% of people $75,000 or greater yearly income in South Carolina are obese.

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

Obesity rates by income in South Carolina

Yearly income Obesity rate
Less than $15,000 46.6%
$15,000 - $24,999 46.6%
$25,000 - $34,999 40.1%
$35,000 - $49,999 37.7%
$50,000 - $74,999 34.9%
$75,000 or greater 31.8%

Obesity rates by education in South Carolina

Education group Obesity rate
College graduate 27.9%
High school graduate 40.4%
Less than high school 36.3%
Some college or technical school 36.3%