Is Colorado one of the slimmest states in the U.S.? 

Yes. Colorado consistently ranks among the states with the lowest obesity rate, most recently coming in at No. 2.

Is Colorado one of the slimmest states in the U.S.? 
An illustration of a stethoscope

Yes.

Around 24.9% of adults in Colorado are obese, the second-lowest rate in the U.S., according 2021-2023 data. Only Washington, D.C., had a lower obesity rate, at 23.5%. 

Obesity is defined as a body mass index, or BMI, above 30 while severe obesity is a BMI over 40. Prior to 2013 no state had an obesity rate of 35% or higher. By 2023, 23 states fell into that category, while severe obesity rose to 9.7% from 7.7% during that period. More than 2 in 5 adults in the U.S. are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Obesity disproportionately impacts Black and Hispanic communities, national studies show. A 2018 study identified a range of factors contributing to that trend, including low household income, the high cost of maintaining a healthy diet, lack of access to recreational resources, stress, genetics and discrimination. 

See full source list below.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

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