More than 1 in 3 adults in SC are obese, data shows. Here are the counties where it’s highest
It might be time to put down that tub of ice cream.
Obesity is a problem that has long been plagued the United States. Though rates have dipped in 2025, obesity still remains a major issue for many states.
In 2024, all U.S. states and territories had at least 25% of adults struggling with obesity. Nearly 1 in 5 children across the nation is obese, as well.
And it’s especially troublesome in the South, where it has one of the highest prevalences of obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What defines obesity?
Obesity is defined as excessive body fat that presents a health risk, according to the World Health Organization. Obesity can lead to several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death worldwide.
A person is obese when their Body Mass Index is greater than 30. BMI is total body fat based on height and weight.
Though genetics has a hand in obesity, its fundamental cause is an imbalance of calories consumed and calories spent. As energy-rich diets increase and physical activity drops, obesity remains a relevant issue.
10 SC counties with the highest obesity rates
The most recent CDC data from 2024 shows that 34.6% of adults in SC are obese, which ranks the state slightly worse compared to others. There are 20 other states and territories that have a higher obesity prevalence.
Data Commons, an open-source data hub from Google, kept track of the SC counties with the highest obesity rates. Here’s the list:
- 1. Lee County - 48.6%
- 2. Williamsburg County - 47.2%
- 3. Orangeburg County - 46.1%
- 4. Marlboro County - 46.0%
- 5. Clarendon County - 45.1%
- 6. Colleton County - 44.8%
- 7. Allendale County - 44.3%
- 8. Hampton County - 43.7%
- 9. Union County - 42.9%
- 10. Barnwell County - 42.9%
What can you do to reduce the risk of obesity?
Many cases of obesity are preventable and reversible.
The WHO recommends reducing the number of fats and sugars in your diet, increasing daily fruit and vegetable intake, and engaging in regular physical activity (60 minutes a day for children and 150 minutes a week for adults).
Getting enough sleep and managing stress is also beneficial for losing weight, according to the CDC.
This story was originally published February 25, 2026 at 6:00 AM with the headline "More than 1 in 3 adults in SC are obese, data shows. Here are the counties where it’s highest."