Louisiana obesity rates drop to 35 percent

Adult obesity rates in Louisiana have declined significantly, dropping from 39.2 percent in 2024 to 35.6 percent in 2025, according to the State of Obesity Report for 2026. Louisiana is one of only two states in the United States to show such a notable decrease, alongside West Virginia.

Medical experts attribute this downward trend to the increased popularity of GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. Dr. Oren Rom of LSU Health Shreveport stated that the “overwhelming health advantages of these weight-loss treatments heavily outweigh potential downsides.”

Despite this improvement, obesity remains a major public health challenge. While Louisiana's rates are falling, 21 states currently report obesity rates above 35 percent, a significant increase from 2015 when only four states met that threshold. Experts suggest that addressing root causes—such as economic opportunity, housing, and access to physical activity spaces—is essential for long-term health outcomes.