Indiana Ranks 18th Among Most Obese States

WalletHub's 2026 report places Indiana 18th nationally in overweight and obesity rates, with West Virginia at the top.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Weight Loss

Indiana Ranks 18th Among Most Obese States

Live Poll

Do you think your community offers enough access to healthy food and exercise?

WalletHub ranked Indiana 18th in its 2026 Most Overweight and Obese States report, released during November's National Diabetes Awareness Month. The report compares state-level obesity, overweight, diabetes, and physical inactivity data across the country.

Why it matters

Obesity costs the U.S. health care system approximately $173 billion annually, making state-level rankings a measure of the financial and health burden facing Hoosier residents. The ranking places Indiana among states where weight-related conditions are widespread.

The WalletHub report ranks states using obesity, overweight, diabetes, and inactivity measures, with Indiana placed 18th overall. Indiana's specific adult obesity percentage and the weighting of each factor are not stated in the source extraction.

The players

WalletHub

WalletHub is a personal-finance website that publishes consumer rankings and financial research reports across a range of topics.

The details

WalletHub compiled the rankings as a personal-finance website report, placing West Virginia first, followed by Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Alabama. Colorado has the lowest adult obesity share and Vermont the lowest diabetes share, while Mississippi records the highest physical inactivity rate.

November 2026: WalletHub released the report during National Diabetes Awareness Month.

Health Landscape

WalletHub's recurring Most Overweight and Obese States series continues in 2026 with Indiana placed 18th among states. Its state-by-state comparison of adult obesity, overweight, diabetes, and inactivity rates tracks population-level weight trends across the country.

Losing 5% to 10% of body weight can improve blood pressure and cholesterol, according to the source material. The report's findings point Indiana residents toward weight-management options that reduce obesity-related health risks.

The takeaway

Even modest weight reduction of 5% to 10% can meaningfully improve blood pressure and cholesterol, offering a practical starting point for Indiana residents seeking to lower their health risks.