BATON ROUGE — Louisiana obesity rates have dropped significantly since 2024, a new report by Trust for America's Health says.

In 2024, Louisiana was ranked third-highest in the country for adult obesity rates; in 2025, the state now ranks 19th. The report found that Louisiana's adult obesity rate fell from 39.2% in 2024 to 35.6% in 2025.

“This is another sign that Louisiana is moving in the right direction when it comes to the health of our people,” Gov. Jeff Landry said in a prepared statement. “We want every Louisianian — parents, children, and families in every part of our state — to have the opportunity to live healthier lives."

The report uses 2025 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Nationally, about four in 10 adults have obesity, and 21 states had adult obesity rates at or above 35% in 2025.

"Moving from 39.2% to 35.6% in one year is a major step, but we are not finished. We are focused every day on reducing health risks, preventing chronic disease, and building systems that help Louisianians live longer, healthier lives,” Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein said.

Louisiana has made prevention and nutrition central to its efforts to improve health outcomes.

The state’s work includes initiatives to increase access to healthy foods, encourage physical activity, prevent chronic disease, and help Louisianians make healthier choices, LDH added.