Illinois falls in the middle of the pack when it comes to state rates of adult obesity, according to a recent report from the Trust for America’s Health. [Health News Illinois]

About 34.2 percent of Illinois adults are obese, tied with Pennsylvania for 24th in the country.

Additionally, 12.9 percent of Illinois adults have diabetes, which is 19th overall. About 22.7 percent of adults are physically inactive. While that places Illinois 14th in the nation, the report indicates the rate is a "significant increase” from the prior year.

Racial disparities remain in Illinois related to obesity.

Just over 43 percent of Black Illinois adults are obese, the 14th highest rate in the nation. Additionally, 38.7 percent of Latino adults in Illinois are obese, which is tied for the sixth-highest rate.

About 33.6 percent of white adults, 34.6 percent of Native Americans and 11.6 percent of Asian adults in Illinois are obese.

West Virginia has the highest rate of adult obesity at 41.4 percent, and Colorado has the lowest at 25 percent. 

According to the report, obesity levels are tied to social and economic conditions, and those with lower incomes are more at risk. People of color, who are more likely to live in places with fewer options for healthy foods and physical activity, are more at risk.

The report also warns that changes coming from the federal government, including cuts to the Medicaid program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are likely to impact healthcare negatively.

It notes that while there has been a larger focus on ultra-processed foods and other potential causes of obesity by the Trump administration's health agencies, “many recommendations are framed as voluntary actions by industry and other sectors, rather than enforceable policies.”

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