How Fat Are Iowans Actually? The Latest Deep-Fried Statistics Show

Your love of fried food may not be as bad as you think.

Obviously, we at least know we're supposed to be trying to be somewhat healthy. It's easier said than done. What's a person to do when the fried/sugary/greasy stuff is just that good? Remember the viral Hot Cheeto corn dog from the Iowa State Fair this year?

Or the Texas Twinkies (jalapeno poppers wrapped in brisket) I inhaled at the Mississippi Valley Fair (the Iowa Twinkie is similar but includes sweet corn).

Sarah Stringer/Townsquare Media

That's not even to mention the holidays coming up. You may ask yourself: do you really need that fried thing?

Iowa Is Healthier Than You Think

And by 'healthy', I mean not fat. WalletHub's study of the Most Overweight & Obese States in America for 2026 showed that Iowa isn't even the top 20 most overweight states.

Actually, Iowa isn't even the top 25.

Iowa ranked 30th in the list of most overweight states. Out of 51 states, we're not doing that bad.

Source: WalletHub

Maybe it's just all that corn we've been eating? Or all the farming? Either way it's a statistic I can use to justify greasy food this weekend.

Read More: Iowa State Fair Announces 80 New Foods At 2026 Fair

Illinois Is Only Slightly Healthier Than Iowa

Ranking only 2 states 'less overweight' than Iowa is Illinois.

Nationally, obesity really is a problem. In the latest data from the CDC, over 7 in 10 U.S. adults over the age of 20 are either overweight or obese. All of that said: don't put so much stock in your BMI number, okay? It's not the most reliable screening tool.

Meanwhile, my home state of Arkansas ranked 3rd on the list. Why? We deep-fry catfish like a religion.