Iowa remains one of top 10 most obese states
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Iowa's adult obesity rate reached 37% in 2025, the ninth-highest in the country, according to an annual report by Trust for America's Health, a D.C.-based health policy group.
Why it matters: Higher obesity rates can translate into more chronic disease, greater health care costs and shorter, less healthy lives.
Driving the news: Though the increase was small, Iowa is also one of a "handful" of states where adult obesity statistically increased over the last five years as rates nationally have begun to level off, Dara Lieberman, director of government affairs for the health group, tells Axios.
- The rate increased by less than a percentage point.
By the numbers: About 71% of Iowa adults are overweight or obese, based on 2025 U.S. Census data.
- 22.2% of Iowa adults are physically inactive, ranking 19th in the country. These adults don't engage in physical activity outside of work.
- Iowa ranks 30th for diabetes and 34th for hypertension.
- Middle-aged adults, men and Black, Latino and Native American populations were more likely to report obesity.
What they're saying: There isn't a single reason Iowa's obesity rate is higher, but the state's rural makeup may be part of the picture, Lieberman says.
- Rural residents can have less access to grocery stores, walkable amenities and fitness recreation, like gyms, she says.
Be smart: Jami Haberl, executive director of the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative, says people need to move away from the "gym" mindset and find small ways to add movement throughout their days.
- That can include parking further away and playing with your kids.
- And while Iowans are known for "meat and potatoes," she recommends starting out by adding a fruit or vegetable to your plate each day.
What's new: GLP-1s can be a game changer for decreasing obesity. In Iowa, Medicaid covers the medication for people diagnosed with diabetes, but it is not approved for general weight loss.
- 13 states cover GLP-1s for obesity treatment, per the Kaiser Family Foundation.
- The drugs are "an appropriate treatment for a lot of different people," Lieberman says.
- "We feel like people should have access to the best treatments for their health conditions. So insurance coverage is an important piece of that," Lieberman says.
What's next: Healthiest State Initiative is holding its annual walk today, including a 30-minute walk on Ingersoll at noon starting at Palmer's Deli.