Around 30 percent of those aged 65 and older in the United States were obese in 2023. In comparison, in 2011 around 25 percent of adults aged 65 years and older were obese.Â
What is the most obese U.S. state?
As of 2023, the state with the highest share of adults who were obese was West Virginia. At that time, around 41 percent of the adult population of West Virginia was obese. In comparison, around 25 percent of adults in Colorado were obese, making it the state with the lowest rate of adult obesity. Behind West Virginia, the other states with the highest obesity rates include Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana.Â
Other health risks among older adults
One of the biggest lifestyle health risks is smoking. In 2023, around 8.5 percent of American adults aged 65 or older smoked cigarettes. Another major health risk for the elderly is the risk of falling. It was estimated that around 28 percent of elderly American adults fell in 2023.
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United Health Foundation. (October 8, 2025). Percentage of adults aged 65 years or older in the U.S. who were obese from 2011 to 2023 [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 25, 2026, from /statistics/720268/elderly-obesity-united-states/
United Health Foundation. "Percentage of adults aged 65 years or older in the U.S. who were obese from 2011 to 2023." Chart. October 8, 2025. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 25, 2026. /statistics/720268/elderly-obesity-united-states/
United Health Foundation. (2025). Percentage of adults aged 65 years or older in the U.S. who were obese from 2011 to 2023. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 25, 2026. /statistics/720268/elderly-obesity-united-states/
United Health Foundation. "Percentage of Adults Aged 65 Years or Older in The U.S. Who Were Obese from 2011 to 2023." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 8 Oct 2025, /statistics/720268/elderly-obesity-united-states/
United Health Foundation, Percentage of adults aged 65 years or older in the U.S. who were obese from 2011 to 2023 ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/720268/elderly-obesity-united-states/ (last visited July 25, 2026)
Percentage of adults aged 65 years or older in the U.S. who were obese from 2011 to 2023 [Graph], United Health Foundation, October 8, 2025. [Online]. Available: /statistics/720268/elderly-obesity-united-states/
