Which States Are the Most and Least Obese?

Which States Are the Most and Least Obese? - Obesity is weighing the country down—in some parts more than others.

The Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation released its annual report on obesity this week. The study found that last year rates among adults increased in six states—Alaska, Delaware, Idaho, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Wyoming—and decreased in none.

Mississippi and West Virginia fared the worst in the nation with adult obesity rates at 35.1 percent. Nine of the 10 most obese states are in the South. (Indiana’s the eighth most obese with 31.8 percent.)

Where is the condition the least prevalent? Colorado, with a rate of 21.3 percent, followed by Hawaii (21.8 percent) and the District of Columbia (22.9 percent)— which are still high compared to three decades ago when no state had a rate above 15 percent.

“Until we start moving more and think more about the quality of the food we’re eating, we’re not going to fully reverse this epidemic,” Levi said in a press conference, reported TIME. He attributed the historic number to bad eating habits, lack of physical activity, fast-food chains, and scarcity of affordable nutritious foods in many areas.

Among economic and racial groups, black, Latino, and low-income Americans have higher rates of obesity.

“Disparate access to affordable healthy food and safe places to be physically active contribute to higher rates of obesity and related illnesses in black communities,” reads the report. “Latinos experience high rates of hunger and food insecurity, often have limited access to safe places for physical activity, and have inequities in access to healthcare.”

The silver lining? While cheap sugary treats and lack of exercise still put kids at risk, especially those in the black and Latino communities, the prevalence of obesity among all American children has leveled off. Last February, the CDC reported that childhood obesity rates in the U.S. dropped 43 percent from 2003 to 2012. ( Takepart.com )