Obesity rates in West Virginia in 2023

What is the obesity rate in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, 39.1% 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 49.2% of this population. The obesity rate is higher for Male (40.6%) in West Virginia. Find also the relationship between income/education and obesity in West Virginia.

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 West Virginia

Year Obesity rate in West Virginia Obesity rate in the USA
2011 32.4% 27.4%
2012 33.8% 27.7%
2013 35.1% 28.3%
2014 35.7% 28.9%
2015 35.6% 28.9%
2016 37.7% 29.6%
2017 38.1% 30.1%
2018 39.5% 30.9%
2019 39.7% 31.4%
2020 39.1% 31.9%

Obesity rates by age group in West Virginia

What age group has the highest obesity rate in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, the age group with the highest incidence of obesity is 45 - 54 years old. 49.2% of the population is obese.

The age group with the lowest obesity rate is 18 - 24 years old, with 20.4% of this population.

  • 20.4% of people 18 - 24 years old are obese.
  • 40.3% of people 25 - 34 years old are obese.
  • 47.1% of people 35 - 44 years old are obese.
  • 49.2% of people 45 - 54 years old are obese.
  • 42% of people 55 - 64 years old are obese.
  • 33.9% of people 65 or older years old are obese.

Obesity rates by age group in West Virginia

Age range Obesity rate in West Virginia Sample size
18 - 24 20.4% 243
25 - 34 40.3% 478
35 - 44 47.1% 597
45 - 54 49.2% 817
55 - 64 42% 1,195
65 or older 33.9% 2,137

Obesity rates by gender in West Virginia

Which gender has the highest rate of obesity in West Virginia?

The obesity rate is higher for Males (40.6%) in West Virginia. Female obesity rate is 37.6%.

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 West Virginia

Year Females Males
2011 34.2% 30.7%
2012 33.1% 34.5%
2013 34.9% 35.4%
2014 36% 35.3%
2015 33.8% 37.4%
2016 37.4% 37.9%
2017 36.7% 39.4%
2018 38.5% 40.6%
2019 39.8% 39.7%
2020 37.6% 40.6%

Obesity rates by income and education in West Virginia

In West Virginia, the income group with the highest incidence of obesity is $15,000 - $24,999. 44.2% of the population is obese.

The income group with the lowest obesity rate is Less than $15,000, with 35.2% of this population.

  • 35.2% of people Less than $15,000 yearly income in West Virginia are obese.
  • 44.2% of people $15,000 - $24,999 yearly income in West Virginia are obese.
  • 39.6% of people $25,000 - $34,999 yearly income in West Virginia are obese.
  • 41.2% of people $35,000 - $49,999 yearly income in West Virginia are obese.
  • 40.8% of people $50,000 - $74,999 yearly income in West Virginia are obese.
  • 39.8% of people $75,000 or greater yearly income in West Virginia are obese.

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

Obesity rates by income in West Virginia

Yearly income Obesity rate
Less than $15,000 35.2%
$15,000 - $24,999 44.2%
$25,000 - $34,999 39.6%
$35,000 - $49,999 41.2%
$50,000 - $74,999 40.8%
$75,000 or greater 39.8%

Obesity rates by education in West Virginia

Education group Obesity rate
College graduate 36.7%
High school graduate 40.6%
Less than high school 38%
Some college or technical school 41.4%