Louisiana recorded one of the nation’s most significant improvements in adult obesity rates, moving from the third-highest rate in the country in 2024 to 19th-highest in 2025, according to a new national report.

The State of Obesity 2026 report from Trust for America’s Health found Louisiana’s adult obesity rate declined from 39.2% to 35.6% in one year. Louisiana and West Virginia were the only two states to experience statistically significant decreases, while no state recorded a statistically significant increase.

The report is based on 2025 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Nationally, approximately four in 10 adults have obesity, and 21 states reported adult obesity rates of at least 35%.

Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein called the decline a major step while emphasizing that work remains to reduce health risks and prevent chronic disease.

Obesity is associated with numerous health concerns, including chronic disease, increased health care costs and reduced quality of life. A number of factors can influence obesity rates, including access to nutritious foods, opportunities for physical activity and broader economic and community conditions.

State health officials say Louisiana has placed increased emphasis on nutrition and prevention through efforts aimed at improving access to healthy foods, encouraging physical activity and helping residents reduce their risk of chronic disease.

Despite the improvement, more than one-third of Louisiana adults continue to have obesity, according to the report.