Recently shared maps comparing the obesity rates of U.S. States and European Countries for 2024 have sparked a lot of discussion, especially on platforms such as Reddit. This visual depiction highlights America’s obesity problem, which is higher than many European countries.
Brilliant Maps has compiled, and then shared, the data that was taken from both the World Population Review and World Health Organization for Europe. This map shows how obesity is a problem in several U.S. state, with rates of over 30%. In some instances, the rate exceeds 40%. States located in the Southern, Midwestern, and Western regions such as Mississippi and West Virginia have the most obesity. Western states such as Colorado, Hawaii and Alaska have lower obesity prevalence rates but are still well above levels in many European countries.
In comparison, most European countries have obesity rates that are below 25%. However, some of them, mostly in Southern Europe and Western Europe reported rates less than 15%. Online audiences are fascinated by the stark differences in obesity rates of the U.S. versus Europe, especially within the subreddit r/europe, where people want to compare the statistics between their home countries.
Exploring Factors Affecting the Variation in Obesity Levels
Diverse factors have contributed to divergent obesity rates in the U.S. All of these factors are important. Diets in Europe, especially those of the Mediterranean, are often characterized by fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oils.
In Europe, home cooking and dining together are often emphasized, leading to healthier eating practices. In Europe, portion sizes tend to be smaller than the ones in America.
The impact of urban planning and infrastructure on obesity is also significant. The design of many European cities is geared towards making them more walkable. They also have extensive transportation systems that encourage daily physical activity. In addition, European legislation on food additives and marketing as well as school nutrition programs promote healthier lifestyles.
It’s also important to recognize that Europe faces its own obesity challenges. Although overall obesity rates in Europe are lower than those in the U.S.A., they have reached or exceeded 20% in many European countries, particularly in Eastern and Northern Europe. Romanians and Hungarians have higher obesity rates than states like South Carolina, Texas and California.
# Emerging signs of positive change in US obesity trends
There are signs of improvement emerging in the United States, despite the troubling picture presented by the numbers. In 2023, the first decrease in obesity rates among Americans in more than a decade occurred. The obesity rate in the United States decreased by 45.6% from 2022. Recent research published in JAMA Health Forum showed that BMI, which has been increasing since 2013, stabilized in 2022.
Ozempic or Wegovy, which are GLP-1 weight-loss medications, could be a factor that influences this change. They work by reducing appetite, which in turn helps with weight loss. There are increasing concerns over side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain and digestive problems.
More research indicates that patients who discontinue these drugs may gain weight. According to a study from 2022, people who stop taking semaglutide – the active ingredient in Ozempic – regained two thirds or more of their weight after one year. The importance of lifestyle change, which includes diet and physical activity, along with medical interventions is highlighted by this study.