Oklahoma has achieved a significant milestone in public health, with new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing the state’s first sustained year-over-year decline in obesity rates since surveillance began in 1988, marking a major step forward in improving the health and well-being of communities across the state.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health attributes this positive trend to coordinated efforts outlined in the Oklahoma State Obesity Plan, along with strong local and statewide partnerships, workplace initiatives, and Oklahomans making deliberate changes to their health behaviors, including increased physical activity and healthier dietary choices.

The Numbers Tell a Compelling Story

The CDC data indicates that Oklahoma’s adult obesity rate continued its downward trajectory, dropping from 38.7% to 36.8% between 2023 and 2024, following an earlier decrease from 40% in 2022. These figures represent a substantial shift in a state that has historically struggled with obesity rates above the national average.

Even more striking is the decline in Oklahoma’s childhood obesity rate for ages 6-17, which fell from 21.4% in 2021-2022 to 16.9% in 2023-2024, according to the recently released National Survey of Children’s Health Data. This represents a reduction of more than 4 percentage points in just two years.

Keith Reed, Commissioner of Health for the Oklahoma State Department of Health, expressed cautious optimism about the findings. “We are encouraged by the progress reflected in the CDC’s data,” Reed said, while noting that continued effort would be necessary to maintain and build upon these gains.

What’s Driving the Change

The state’s momentum is linked to an array of community-driven, evidence-based strategies and changes in health behaviors that have been implemented across Oklahoma over recent years. These initiatives represent a comprehensive, multi-sector approach to addressing obesity at the population level.

Key Initiatives Making an Impact

• Walking paths and trail expansions that improve access to physical activity for residents of all ages, making it easier for families to incorporate movement into their daily routines.
• Policy adoption by communities, schools, faith-based organizations, and workplaces that encourage and support healthy lifestyle choices through environmental changes and institutional support.
• New and improved playground equipment in local parks and schoolyards that encourages healthy habits from a young age, promoting active play and physical development.
• Nutrition initiatives through food banks that help families include healthier food options in their daily lives, addressing food insecurity while promoting nutrition.
• EBT acceptance at farmers’ markets that increases access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for low-income Oklahomans, reducing barriers to healthy eating.
• 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 specifically on healthy eating, physical activity, and making healthier choices accessible to all Oklahomans.

These initiatives, driven by collaboration between the Oklahoma State Department of Health, 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 across all communities.

The Broader Public Health Context

Obesity is a significant risk factor for numerous chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and other serious health conditions. The economic burden of obesity-related illness is substantial, affecting healthcare costs, workplace productivity, and quality of life.

By addressing obesity at the population level, Oklahoma is simultaneously working to reduce the incidence of these related chronic conditions, potentially leading to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs in the years ahead.

Looking Forward

Commissioner Reed emphasized the importance of sustained commitment to maintaining and building upon these gains. “We appreciate the hard work happening across the state to make healthier choices easier and more accessible,” he said, acknowledging the contributions of countless individuals, organizations, and communities.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health 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.

While these results are encouraging, health officials stress that obesity remains a significant public health challenge requiring ongoing attention and resources. The goal is not simply to maintain current progress but to continue improving outcomes until Oklahoma achieves obesity rates comparable to or better than the national average.