Understanding Nutrition and the States: Which states eat the most junk food?

October 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Trust for America's Health, adult obesity rates in 2023 exceeded 40% in three states, a strong indicator of poor dietary habits, and revealing insights into which states eat the most junk food. This reflects a complex interplay of socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental factors across the country.

Quick Summary

An analysis of recent studies reveals regional trends in junk food consumption across the United States. Key metrics, including fast-food access, spending, and obesity rates, point toward states in the South and Midwest struggling with poorer dietary habits due to affordability and availability issues. Conversely, states in the West and Northeast often demonstrate healthier eating patterns.

Key Points

Regional Disparity: States in the South, like Mississippi, Louisiana, and West Virginia, consistently show high junk food consumption and obesity rates based on various metrics.
Conflicting Metrics: Different studies rank states differently depending on whether they measure fast-food spending (Mississippi), restaurant density (Maryland), or composite eating habit scores (Louisiana).
Socioeconomic Factors: Low median income and the presence of food deserts often force residents to rely on cheaper, less healthy fast food options.
Healthier Contrast: States like Colorado, Utah, and Hawaii typically report healthier eating habits, lower obesity rates, and greater access to nutritious foods.
Policy and Awareness: Efforts to improve nutrition focus on addressing underlying issues of food access, cost, and education, recognizing that individual choice is only one part of the dietary puzzle.

Mapping the American diet: What defines 'most junk food'?

Determining which states eat the most junk food is not a simple question with a single answer. Data analysis often involves examining a variety of metrics, each providing a different piece of the puzzle. Studies look at fast-food restaurant density per capita, the percentage of a household’s dining-out budget spent on fast food, self-reported dietary surveys, and overall obesity rates. Collectively, these indicators highlight regional and state-specific dietary trends influenced by culture, income, and access to fresh, healthy food.

Metrics that reveal junk food consumption trends

Several recent studies help shed light on the states with the highest rates of junk food consumption, with some surprising results depending on the metric used.

Fast-Food Density: A 2025 study from the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts analyzed fast-food restaurants as a percentage of total restaurants. It found that Maryland has the highest percentage of fast-food restaurants in the country, at nearly 47%, earning it the top spot based on this metric. West Virginia also has a high number of fast-food chains per 100,000 residents.
Relative Fast-Food Spending: WalletHub's analysis, referenced in a June 2025 report, showed that residents of Mississippi spend the largest share of their income on fast food. This is largely due to the state's low median income, despite lower average fast-food prices. Kentucky and New Mexico also ranked high in this category.
Overall Eating Habits: A recent report from Drug Store News gave states a composite score for 'worst eating habits' based on obesity, fast-food chain concentration, and added sugar intake. In this index, Louisiana ranked first, followed by Mississippi and Kentucky.
Highest Obesity Rates: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) data is a powerful indicator, showing that West Virginia, Mississippi, and Arkansas had adult obesity rates of 40% or higher in 2023. These high rates are strongly correlated with diets high in processed and junk foods.

The complex factors influencing diet across states

Junk food consumption is not just a matter of personal choice; it's heavily influenced by a state's socioeconomic and environmental conditions. Some of the most significant factors include:

Income Disparity: Lower-income states and communities often face higher rates of junk food consumption. Fast food is frequently more affordable than fresh, healthy groceries, making it a budget-friendly option for families.
Food Deserts: Many low-income or rural areas are considered food deserts, where access to supermarkets selling affordable, fresh produce is limited. In these regions, fast-food restaurants and convenience stores offer the most readily available and cheapest calories.
Cultural and Social Norms: Regional culinary traditions and social activities can play a role. For example, some Southern states have a deep-rooted culture around comfort foods, which can contribute to higher consumption of calorie-dense meals. In tourist destinations like Hawaii, a large number of visitors contribute to a high fast-food density per capita.
Convenience and Time: In fast-paced, urban areas like Washington, DC, and New York, busy lifestyles and the sheer number of fast-food options contribute to higher consumption. Convenience is a major driving factor for many consumers.

Comparison: States with the highest versus lowest junk food trends

To illustrate the regional disparities, a comparison between a state with high junk food consumption indicators and one with healthier habits is insightful.


Feature	Mississippi (High Junk Food Indicators)	Colorado (Low Junk Food Indicators)
Adult Obesity Rate (2023)	40.1%	24.9%
Fast-Food Spending (relative to income)	Highest in the U.S.	Among the lowest in the U.S.
Fast-Food Environment	Historically high fast-food budget allocation and presence of food deserts.	Lower density of fast-food restaurants per capita compared to national average.
Socioeconomic Factors	Lower median income often drives reliance on cheaper, less healthy options.	Higher median income and robust outdoor culture often support healthier lifestyles.
Dietary Habits	High rates of fried chicken and sugary drinks as popular junk food choices.	Lower rates of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and high emphasis on outdoor activity.

Shifting habits and the path to better nutrition

While regional trends persist, dietary habits are not static. Public health initiatives, educational programs, and changes in food availability can influence consumption patterns over time. Efforts to combat obesity and improve nutrition often focus on increasing access to healthy foods in underserved areas, implementing policies to regulate food marketing, and promoting nutritional education. As awareness grows regarding the link between diet and chronic disease, the focus is shifting toward creating healthier food environments nationwide.

To learn more about adult obesity trends and contributing factors, visit the Trust for America's Health website [https://www.tfah.org/].

Conclusion

Ultimately, the question of which states eat the most junk food reveals a narrative more complex than a simple ranking. Factors like socioeconomic status, food access, cultural traditions, and busy lifestyles all play a significant role. While states in the South, like Mississippi and Louisiana, often show higher indicators of poor dietary health, specific metrics can highlight different states. Maryland, for instance, has a high fast-food restaurant density, and Nevada sees high relative fast-food spending. A comprehensive approach, considering all these factors, is essential for truly understanding and addressing the nutritional challenges faced by different populations across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no single primary indicator, as different studies use various metrics. Common indicators include the percentage of a household's income spent on fast food, the number of fast-food restaurants per capita, and overall obesity rates, all of which provide a nuanced view of dietary habits.

Low-income states often have higher rates of junk food consumption due to affordability. Fast food is frequently a cheaper and more convenient alternative to purchasing and preparing fresh, healthy groceries, which can be more expensive.

Yes, food deserts are a significant factor. These are areas, often rural or low-income, with limited access to affordable and nutritious food. With fewer supermarkets, residents rely on readily available fast-food restaurants and convenience stores.

A high density of fast-food restaurants, as seen in states like Maryland, correlates with higher consumption simply because it increases convenience and availability. When fast food is the most accessible option, it's more likely to be chosen.

While less common, it is possible. For example, Hawaii has a high fast-food restaurant count per capita, partly due to tourism, but also features a strong outdoor culture and lower obesity rates compared to some other states. However, factors like high cost of living still affect dietary choices for many.

State policies can significantly influence nutrition by regulating food marketing, funding public health education, and supporting initiatives to increase access to fresh produce. Addressing underlying socioeconomic issues is crucial for creating healthier food environments.

According to various reports, states like Colorado, Utah, Massachusetts, and Hawaii typically rank among the healthiest. They often have lower obesity rates and better dietary habits, supported by factors like higher income, greater food access, and outdoor lifestyles.