Obesity spikes among Oregon's young adults
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Oregon saw the highest obesity rate increase of any state from 2019 and 2024, according to new data — a troubling statistic experts say could impact public health for decades to come.
Why it matters: Obesity is tied to several health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and more.
- Studies have also linked obesity to hundreds of billions of dollars in increased annual medical costs.
The big picture: Oregon's jump is largely driven by the state's young adults (ages 18 to 24), per a new "State of Obesity" report from the nonprofit, nonpartisan Trust for America's Health (TFAH).
- More than a quarter of young adults (27.2%) are considered obese in Oregon, ranking 7th in the nation.
- That age group has been particularly affected by the pandemic's social and mental health fallout in recent years, Diane Stadler, a nutritionist and professor at OHSU School of Medicine, told Axios.
"It's very concerning," she said, adding that rates of depression and loneliness are higher in young populations. "It's a harbinger of what we are going to see in the future."
By the numbers: The rate of adult obesity rose to 33.5% in Oregon, an increase of 16%. The state ranks 28th in the country overall, according to TFAH.
- Obesity rates between men and women in Oregon showed no significant difference, but Black and Hispanic Oregonians had higher rates compared to other groups.
Zoom out: Nineteen states have adult obesity rates at or above 35% as of 2024. That's a drop from 23 states the year before — and the first decrease since states began hitting the 35% mark in 2013, the group says.
- Yes, but: Back in 2014, only three states had obesity rates at or above 35%.
The bottom line: Stadler said if Oregon doesn't begin doing targeted interventions to address rising obesity among young adults, the state will see higher chronic disease rates and a burdened health care system, coupled with high medical costs.
- New anti-obesity drugs could help, she said, but "only if people have easy access to those medications."

