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Explore State Data
West Virginia
In West Virginia, 24.8% of youth ages 10 to 17 have obesity, giving West Virginia a ranking of 51 among the 50 states and D.C. This page includes West Virginia data in four areas: the latest data on obesity, diabetes, and hypertension; how federal nutrition policies impact West Virginia; health behaviors and outcomes among high school students; and policies enacted by West Virginia to support health and prevent obesity.
Rates, Ranks, and Trends
Several federal datasets provide the latest health information for children, adolescents, and adults. Below are the current obesity rates among various age groups, the diabetes and hypertension rates for adults, rankings among all states, and trends over time.
16.5%
Obesity Rate
6 of 51 West Virginia rank
24.8%
Obesity Rate
51 of 51 West Virginia rank
22.9%
Obesity Rate
2 of 51 West Virginia rank
41.6%
Obesity Rate
1 of 51 West Virginia rank
15.7%
Obesity Rate
1 of 51 West Virginia rank
43.8%
Obesity Rate
1 of 51 West Virginia rank
Childhood Nutrition Data
National programs and policies can make it easier for children to access healthier foods and beverages. The number of children participating in each of these programs varies from state to state. See participation numbers and rates below, or visit the full interactive feature.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
284,000
West Virginia SNAP: Number of people eligible in SNAP in FY 2020* Because the Coronavirus COVID-19 public health emergency affected data collection starting in March 2020, this summary covers only the pre-pandemic period of October 2019 through February 2020.
94% SNAP: Percentage of elgible people who participated in FY 2020*.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) -- Children
102,000
West Virginia SNAP Participation: Number Children in SNAP in FY 2020* Because the Coronavirus COVID-19 public health emergency affected data collection starting in March 2020, this summary covers only the pre-pandemic period of October 2019 through February 2020.
34.40% SNAP Participation: Percent Children in FY 2020* Because the Coronavirus COVID-19 public health emergency affected data collection starting in March 2020, this summary covers only the pre-pandemic period of October 2019 through February 2020.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - White
93.30%
West Virginia SNAP Participation: White SNAP-White head of household in FY 2020* Because the Coronavirus COVID-19 public health emergency affected data collection starting in March 2020, this summary covers only the pre-pandemic period of October 2019 through February 2020.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - African-American
5.30%
West Virginia SNAP Participation: African American SNAP-African-American head of household in FY 2020* Because the Coronavirus COVID-19 public health emergency affected data collection starting in March 2020, this summary covers only the pre-pandemic period of October 2019 through February 2020.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Hispanic
Data not reported
West Virginia SNAP Participation: Hispanic SNAP-Hispanic head of household in FY 2020* Because the Coronavirus COVID-19 public health emergency affected data collection starting in March 2020, this summary covers only the pre-pandemic period of October 2019 through February 2020.
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
19,830
West Virginia Summer Food Service Program: Average Daily Attendance SFSP in FY 2023.
Head Start
7,784
West Virginia Head Start - total number of funded slots in Head Start in FY 2023.
47% Head Start - percentage of eligibile children ages 3-5 who had access to a slot in 2020.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
35,586
West Virginia Women, Infants, and Children Program: Total Participation in WIC in FY 2023.
56.7% Women, Infants, and Children Program: Coverage Rates in 2020.
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
22,390
West Virginia Child and Adult Care Food Prgram: Average Daily Attendance in CACFP in FY 2023 Preliminary.
9,231,502 Child and Adult Care Food Program: Total Meals Served in FY 2023 Preliminary.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
51.50%
West Virginia Percentage of public school students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in NSLP in 2022-2023.
51.2% Percentage of students eligible for free/reduced-price lunch in 2019-2020.
Food Insecurity (CFI)
21.00%
West Virginia Rate of Food Insecurity among Child (<18 years) Population in the United States in CFI in 2022.
High Schooler Health Data
The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) surveys high school students to better understand a variety of health issues and behaviors. This feature includes data related to obesity, nutrition, and physical activity.
Visit full interactive with data on nutrition behaviors among high school students
Visit full interactive with data on physical activity behaviors among high school students
Low P.E. Participation
68.7%
68.7%
Physically active at least 60 minutes
17.8%
17.8%
High Computer Usage
0%
0%
High TV Watching
0%
0%
High Soda Consumption
31.3%
31.3%
No Breakfast
23.2%
23.2%
Low Fruit Consumption
9.5%
9.5%
Low Vegetable Consumption
8.3%
8.3%
Interview/Q&A