Obesity: Basic Facts and Figures: MNPH Data Access - MN Dept. of Health

Adult obesity

Overweight and obesity in Minnesota adults:

• by year
• by age
• by race/ethnicity
• by gender
• by income

Overweight and obesity measures displayed on this page are for adults age 18 and older living in Minnesota households. Weight status categories are determined using Body Mass Index (BMI), a number calculated using a person's weight and height. Determine which weight status category applies to you using CDC's BMI calculator.

BMI is not a direct measure of body fatness, but it provides a good estimate. BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat. Some people such as athletes may be categorized as overweight even though they do not have too much body fat. Unless otherwise noted, differences described on this page are statistically significant.

Obesity is increasing over time and two thirds of all adults are either overweight or obese in Minnesota. 

• Obesity has increased since 2011 among Minnesotan adults. In 2018, 1 in 3 Minnesota adults (30%) are obese
• The proportion of Minnesota adults that are overweight has not increased over time. In 2018, more than 1 in 3 Minnesota adults (36%) are overweight
• This means that two thirds (66%) of all Minnesotan adults are either overweight or obese
• This is nearly identical to the national average

Obesity is highest among Minnesotans 45-64 years of age; over one third (35%) of adults in this age group are obese. The youngest adults (18-24 years) are much less likely to be obese or overweight, with 43% of adults in this age group appearing in either category. In fact, 7 in 10 adults (73%) aged 45 to 65 years are either overweight or obese. Obesity in the oldest age category (65+ years).

There are some racial and ethnic differences in the proportion of Minnesotans that are obese and overweight.

• 8 in 10 (81%) of Minnesota adults that identify as American Indian or Alaska Native are overweight or obese, which is much higher than the average for all Minnesotans (all races and ethnicities combined). In fact, half are obese. 
• Over 7 in 10 (72%) Minnesota adults that identify as Hispanic are overweight or obese, which is much higher than the average for all Minnesotans (all races and ethnicities combined).

In Minnesota, more men are obese than women. Men are also more likely to be overweight.

Obesity affects Minnesotans of all income levels and there are some differences:

• When looking at overweight and obesity combined, there are no differences between people in different household income categories 
• People in the lowest income category (annual household income of less than $25,000) are less likely to be overweight compared to a person with higher household income
• People in the highest income category (annual household income of $75,000 or more) are less likely to be obese compared to a person with lower household income.

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Last updated May 2020. Updates are made when data become available.