US Health Report
Obesity remains one of the most urgent public health challenges in the United States, affecting more than 40% of American adults and nearly one in five children.1
Yet these figures persist despite Americans’ growing investment in healthier living. According to the latest data from Statista, 35% of the population is predicted to use fitness apps in 20252. This is concerning. If people are practicing healthier habits, obesity rates should fall. However, this doesn’t appear to be the case.
Not only is obesity a lifestyle issue, it’s now a complex condition influenced by genetics, environment, and the modern food landscape. Its impact extends far beyond individual well-being, contributing to rising rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
As it’s a growing problem in the US, prevention techniques such as exercising regularly, drinking less alcohol, and eating healthier are more important than ever. But these lifestyle changes are not always effective. Even with a rising penetration rate of fitness apps, public education, and gym memberships, obesity continues to rise, meaning people are turning to compounded tirzepatide, compounded semaglutide, and compounded liraglutide for medical solutions.
With this in mind, NiceRx has analyzed key factors such as obesity rates, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and more, to evaluate the state of health in the US.
Key Findings
- Idaho is the healthiest state in the US, with a score of 7.14 out of 10, while Louisiana is the most unhealthy US state, scoring just 2.54 out of 10
- Two in five (41.2%) of people in West Virginia are obese, the highest rate in the US and Colorado has the lowest obesity rate in the US, at 24.9%
- Obesity has risen the most in New Mexico, rising by a third over the last 10 years
- Utah’s residents drink the least amount of alcohol, consuming 1.23 gallons per capita
- South Carolina searches for weight loss medication more than any other state, with 11,101 searches per 100,000 people
- New Hampshire’s residents have the best access to fitness facilities, with 21 per 100,000 people
The healthiest US states
| Per 100,000 people | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | State | Obesity rate | 10-year difference in obesity rate | Alcohol consumption (gallons per capita) | Physical inactivity | Weight loss medication searches | Fitness facilities | Health score /10 |
| 1 | Idaho | 31.0% | 4.7% | 1.91 | 22.2% | 8,805 | 12 | 7.14 |
| 2 | Washington | 30.6% | 12.5% | 2.23 | 18.4% | 7,924 | 13 | 6.99 |
| 3 | Colorado | 24.9% | 16.9% | 3.08 | 17.7% | 8,901 | 16 | 6.74 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 27.4% | 16.1% | 2.82 | 23.3% | 9,027 | 17 | 6.67 |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 31.6% | 15.8% | 2.78 | 25.3% | 10,210 | 16 | 6.56 |
| 6 | California | 27.7% | 14.9% | 2.88 | 21.2% | 8,600 | 14 | 6.38 |
| 6 | North Carolina | 34.0% | 15.6% | 2.34 | 24.6% | 10,156 | 13 | 6.38 |
| 8 | Connecticut | 29.4% | 17.6% | 2.40 | 22.6% | 8,442 | 16 | 6.34 |
| 8 | Maine | 32.6% | 12.8% | 2.88 | 24.8% | 10,028 | 14 | 6.34 |
| 10 | Utah | 30.2% | 25.3% | 1.23 | 18.2% | 9,525 | 11 | 6.27 |
As part of our in-depth examination of the state of health in the US, we’ve investigated obesity rates, 10-year trends in obesity rates, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, searches for weight loss medication, and the availability of fitness facilities.
1. Idaho is the healthiest US state, scoring 7.14/10
Taking the gold medal for America’s healthiest state is Idaho, with a score of 7.14 out of 10. Idaho scores highly for its:
- Low alcohol consumption, drinking 1.91 gallons per capita, the fourth lowest in the US
- Low obesity rate of 31%, the 13th-lowest in the US
- Minimal 10-year increase in obesity of just 4.7%. The lowest in the US and twice as low as New York in second place.
- Low physical inactivity of 22.2%, the 13th-lowest in the US
Exercise contributes to a healthy lifestyle, and having access to nature can make this easier. Idaho is surrounded by pristine landscapes, with mountains, forests, and lakes. Its proximity means Idahoans have plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking, all of which can boost their physical fitness. Around 40% of Idaho is covered in forests3, with Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Payette National Forest, and Sawtooth National Forest all at your doorstep.
Compared to large metropolitan areas, Idaho offers a slower-paced lifestyle, which could also contribute to a healthy living. Even something as simple as less congestion can give its residents more time, which can be spent cooking healthier meals, getting out and exercising, or just relaxing with friends and family. All of which can help reduce stress, leading to healthier decision-making and a longer, more fulfilling life.
2. Washington’s residents are the second-healthiest in the US, with a score of 6.99/10
Washington ranks in second place, boasting a score of 6.99 out of 10. Like Idaho, Washington is a gateway to the outdoors, offering opportunities for activities that promote physical fitness and mental well-being. From skiing in the Cascade mountains to kayaking on Lake Washington, there are plenty of ways to get outside and breathe in the fresh air. Washington also has a mild climate throughout the year, making its outdoor activities more accessible to its residents.
Washington’s high ranking on our list is due to its low obesity rate, low levels of physical activity, low alcohol consumption, and low rise of obesity over the last 10 years. Washington also has the 10th-highest number of searches for weight loss medication among all states, with 1,077,600 in the last 12 months. This equates to almost 8,000 per 100,000 people. This high number of searches points to an interest in living a healthier lifestyle, which could be linked to Washington’s second-place ranking on our list.
3. Colorado is named the third-healthiest state in the US, with a score of 6.74/10
Completing our top three is Colorado, earning an impressive score of 6.74 out of 10. Colorado’s residents are a clear example of how physical activity can contribute to a healthy weight. Colorado has the lowest rate of physical inactivity and obesity in the United States. Just one in six (17.7%) people is physically inactive outside of work, and less than a quarter (24.9%) of people are obese.
Colorado continues the correlation between health and access to nature. Skiing, hiking, and cycling are abundant in opportunity thanks to its mountainous terrain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and Canyonlands National Park are great options for hiking and cycling. If you’re more interested in skiing, then Copper Mountain, Telluride Ski Resort, and Breckenridge Ski Resort are the places for you.
Like Washington, Colorado has a high number of searches relating to managing their weight. In the last 12 months, Colorado residents searched for weight loss medications over 800,000 times, which comes to 8,901 searches per 100,000 people. Colorado’s high interest in weight loss solutions, paired with its relatively low obesity rate, may indicate the effectiveness of the medications used for weight management.
The healthiest US states for each factor
As we’ve shown above, some states are healthier than others. To further analyze the state of health and weight loss in the US, we’ve broken down the data and revealed the best-performing states for each of our six factors.
| State | Factor | Score | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Obesity rate | 24.90% | Prevalence |
| Idaho | 10-year difference in obesity rates | 4.73% | Percentage consumption |
| Utah | Alcohol consumption (gallons per capita) | 1.23 | Gallons per capita |
| Colorado | Physical inactivity | 17.70% | Prevalence |
| South Carolina | Weight loss medication consumption | 11,101 | Searches per 100,000 |
| New Hampshire | Fitness facilities | 21 | Number per 100,000 |
Colorado has the lowest prevalence of obesity, at just 24.9%
Genetics and a healthy lifestyle both play a role in determining your weight. However, altitude could also be a contributing factor. According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, there is an association between living in counties at higher altitudes and lower adult obesity rates.4 For those seeking to lead a healthier life, spending time at high altitudes may help support this goal. Activities like skiing and hiking are good, active ways to expose yourself to higher altitudes.
Colorado supports this study. It has an average altitude of 68,0035 feet above sea level and the lowest rate of obesity, with just one in four people being obese. Colorado also has 59 mountains that are 14,000 feet or higher, and over 800 mountains between 11,000 and 14,000 feet in elevation.
Idaho’s rise in obesity is the lowest in the US, with a rise of just 4.73%
The US has a rising obesity problem. On average, obesity rates have increased by 18.3% over the last decade. However, in Idaho, obesity has risen by just 4.73%, the lowest in the US. In 2023, the rate of obesity in Idaho was 31%, a slight rise from the 29.6% rate in 2013.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), compared to those who are a healthy weight, people with obesity are at an increased risk of the following health conditions: 6
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are contributors to heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Breathing problems such as asthma and sleep apnea
- Joint problems such as osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal discomfort
- Gallstones and gallbladder disease
Obesity can also have higher risks for stroke, certain types of cancer, depression, and anxiety. This means that losing weight could be a step in the right direction towards leading a healthier lifestyle.
Utah’s residents drink the least amount of alcohol, drinking just 1.23 gallons per capita
The state that consumes the least amount of alcohol is Utah, drinking 1.23 gallons per capita. Cutting out alcohol is a great way to be healthier. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause a variety of health problems, including liver disease, stroke, and cancer.
Alcohol can also cause an increased appetite. According to the National Institutes of Health, alcohol can influence several hormones linked to satiety. Alcohol can also cause fatigue, which can lead to an increased appetite.7
Utah is known for having some of the strictest laws regarding alcohol in the US, which could explain its low alcohol consumption. Prior to 2019, a new bill replaced an 86-year-old law, which stated that 3.2% ABV was the alcohol limit for brewing. Since 2019, beers with a 5% ABV have been allowed to be brewed and sold in grocery stores.8
Restaurants and bars also can’t serve alcoholic drinks on their own. To have an alcoholic beverage, you must order food as well.8 Additionally, Utah has the lowest blood alcohol limit in the US. Anything over 0.05 blood alcohol content is classed as over the limit.9
Around one in six people in Colorado are physically inactive
Colorado’s residents are the most physically active, with just 17.7% being physically inactive. Popular activities in Colorado include hiking and biking across its extensive network of trails, winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, and water activities like fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Rock climbing is also popular in Colorado, with numerous mountains and rock formations throughout the state.
Being physically active doesn’t have to be difficult. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends that adults engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, in addition to two days of muscle-strengthening activities.10 This might sound daunting, but this can be spread over the week, equating to 30 minutes a day, five days a week. If you’re short on time, this can also be broken down into 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, such as jogging or running, per week.
South Carolina searched the most for weight loss medication, with 11,101 searches per 100,000 people
The state with the highest number of searches for weight loss medication is South Carolina, with 11,101 searches per 100,000 people. Searches for ‘Ozempic’, ‘Wegovy’, ‘Mounjaro’, and ‘weight loss drug’ totalled 720,460.
South Carolina has the 12th-highest obesity rate, at 36%, and the 10th-highest physical inactivity rate, which may explain its first-place ranking in this category.
Weight loss medications are typically recommended if you have already tried making lifestyle changes and have had little to no success. Popular medications, such as compounded tirzepatide, Ozempic, and Wegovy, can be prescribed in these cases.
New Hampshire has the best access to fitness facilities, with 21 per 100,000 people
The state with the highest number of fitness facilities is New Hampshire, with 21 facilities per 100,000 people. According to BMC Public Health, a greater distance to paid outdoor and indoor fitness facilities was associated with a lower frequency of exercise.11
Sports are a major part of New Hampshire’s culture, with several professional sports teams and numerous sporting events held in the state. This can encourage children to play sports and be physically active, which drives the need for local sports centers, fields, and fitness facilities.
Fitness facilities not only have a chance to improve your physical health, but they also offer opportunities to meet people and make friends. This can further your progress on your health journey, offering accountability, motivation, and even the intensity of your workouts.
Methodology
At NiceRx, we are on a mission to help people feel great through better health. We make quality care simple and affordable by connecting you with a network of pharmacies and healthcare providers to support your well-being and weight management.
As part of an ongoing commitment to improving the physical well-being of the US, we sourced and analyzed extensive data on health and obesity across the US to highlight the states that are actively working to be the healthiest version of themselves.
We ranked each US state on the following factors:
1. Obesity rate change
We used the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to find the obesity rate for 2023.
We then used the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to find the obesity rate 10 years ago in 2013, and calculated the percentage change between the two years.
2. Interest in weight loss medication
We used Google Keyword Planner to find searches for ‘Ozempic’, ‘Wegovy’, ‘Monjaro’, and ‘weight loss drug’. We then normalized this data to show the searches per 100,000 people.
3. Physical activity levels
We used the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to find the percentage of self-reported physical inactivity outside of work.
4. Alcohol consumption
We used the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to find the source of per capita ethanol consumption in gallons (per person aged 14+)
5. Fitness facilities
We used the United States Census Bureau to find the number of fitness and recreational sports centers. We then normalized this data to show the results per 100,000 people.
We combined this data into a weighted table, giving each factor a normalized score out of 10. We then took an average of these scores to get our overall score out of 10.
All data was collected in October 2025 and is correct as of then.
