The battle over weight is a real fight. If you have ever tried to lose weight, you know the struggle. But there is some good news in Louisiana. Residents are losing those extra pounds. In fact, the Bayou State is one of only two states in the nation showing a pretty good dip in obesity rates.
The State of Obesity Report for 2026 shows adult obesity rates in Louisiana are dropping. But the data shows "obesity and other chronic conditions continue to be an urgent public health challenge"
What's the National Obesity Rate
40% of all adults are listed as obese for 2021-2023.
The youth obesity rate is 21% for that same time frame.
How Louisiana Is Slimming Down
The numbers show Louisiana's adult obesity rate dropped sharply from 39% to 35%. The report says 21 states have obesity rates above 35%. In 2015, only 4 states showed obesity rates above 35%. So this is a serious problem that is growing across the nation.
Louisiana and West Virginia show pretty big slim down numbers. Louisiana went from 39.2 percent in 2024 to 35.6 percent in 2025. West Virginia went from 41.4 percent in 2024 to 37.4 percent in 2025.
The Texas obesity rate is 36%. The Arkansas rate is 36.7% while the rate in Mississippi is 40.4%.
How Is Louisiana Losing Extra Pounds
Medical experts say the surge in popularity of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro is driving the change. Dr. Oren Rom, assistant vice chancellor for research at LSU Health Shreveport says "the overwhelming health advantages of these weight-loss treatments heavily outweigh potential downsides."
Dr. Rom notes says this positive trend could help reshape health outcomes across the state.
How to Continue Fighting Obesity
This report suggests Congress should "support programs that address the root causes of poor health, including economic opportunity, housing, transportation, and education." The experts call on government leaders to make sure public spaces are accessible for physical activity.
The experts also says "Congress should work to improve nutritional quality and nutrition security by reversing the changes to the SNAP program that have led to reduced SNAP access for families in need."
The report also calls on leaders to expand access to healthy school meals for all school children.
