Updated CDC Data Shows Oklahoma Making Promising Progress in Obesity Rates

State initiatives and community partnerships credited for measurable improvement

OKLAHOMA CITY - Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights promising progress in Oklahoma’s obesity rates, representing a major step toward improving the health and well-being of communities across the state. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) credits this positive trend, in part, to the coordinated efforts outlined in the Oklahoma State Obesity Plan, along with strong local and statewide partnerships, workplace initiatives, and Oklahomans adjusting their health behavior to include moving more and making healthy choices.

The CDC data indicates that Oklahoma’s adult obesity rate continued to decline, dropping from 38.7% to 36.8% between 2023 and 2024, after decreasing from 40% in 2022. Even more significant is the decline in Oklahoma’s childhood obesity rate (ages 6-17), which was 21.4% in 2021/2022 and has fallen to 16.9% in 2023/2024, according to the recently released National Survey of Children’s Health Data.

Oklahoma improved its position in the state obesity ranking, climbing 12 places from 48th in 2022 to 36th in 2024. Additionally, the childhood obesity ranking rose from 42nd in 2021-2022 to 34th in 2023-2024. Rankings are based on data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

“We are encouraged by the progress reflected in the CDC’s data,” said Keith Reed, Commissioner of Health. “While there is more work ahead, this improvement shows that our sustained efforts, along with communities, tribal nations, schools, early child care centers, nonprofits, and state partners, are making a meaningful difference for Oklahomans.”

The state’s momentum, the first year-over-year reduction since surveillance began in 1988, is linked to an array of community-driven, evidence-based strategies and changes in health behaviors, including:

• Walking paths and trail expansions that improve access to physical activity for residents of all ages.
• Communities, schools, faith-based organizations and workplaces adopting policies that encourage and support healthy lifestyle choices.
• New and improved playground equipment in local parks and schoolyards encourages healthy habits from a young age.
• Nutrition initiatives through food banks help families include healthier food options in their daily lives.
• Acceptance of EBT at farmers' markets increases access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for low-income Oklahomans.
• Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) programs that promote healthy living through community grants, improvements to the built environment, youth engagement, and public education campaigns.
• Shape Your Future, a program of TSET, focuses on healthy eating, physical activity, and making healthier choices.

These initiatives, driven by collaboration between OSDH, TSET, local governments, health systems, and community partners, are part of the state’s broader strategy to reduce chronic disease and improve quality of life.

“Improving obesity rates requires a comprehensive approach, and Oklahoma is demonstrating that coordinated, community-based solutions can move the needle,” said Reed. “We appreciate the hard work happening across the state to make healthier choices easier and more accessible.”

OSDH will continue to monitor statewide trends and support evidence-based interventions that help Oklahomans live healthier lives. The agency remains committed to working with all Oklahoma residents and partners to build on this progress and ensure long-term, sustainable improvement.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health.

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