Obesity spikes among Oregon's young adults
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
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."