The fattest state in America for a sixth consecutive year is Mississippi, as 34.9 percent of its adult population are obese.
A Tuesday report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows a U.S. map accompanied by each state's obesity rate. This represents the percentage of residents who possess a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.
On the opposite end of the scale from Mississippi is Colorado with the lowest obesity rate of just 20.7 percent which is still high, but in comparison to the rest of the nation, they are considered to be the most svelte.
Louisiana ranked second most "fattest state in America with a 33.4 percent of the population being obese, West Virginia ranked third at 32.4 percent while Alabama 33 percent. About 26 of 30 states with the highest obesity and BMI rates are located in the Midwest and South along the Gulf Coast.
Overall, 27 states had an obesity rate ranging from 25-30 percent, and 12 had a rate equal to or greater than 30 percent. Only 11 states had an obesity rate lower than 25 percent, with most located in the Southwest and Northeast.
Data for the "fattest state in America" is telephone surveys to residents about their height and weight.
"Obesity has contributed to a stunning rise in chronic disease rates and healthcare costs. It is one of the biggest health crises the country has ever faced," Jeffrey Levi, executive director of the nonprofit Trust for America's Health, said in a statement.
"The good news is that we have a growing body of evidence and approaches that we know can help reduce obesity, improve nutrition and increase physical activity based on making healthier choices easier for Americans. The bad news is we're not investing anywhere near what we need to in order to bend the obesity curve and see the returns in terms of health and savings."
Can all these fast food chains with their dollar menu be helping this epidemic? Should such diners take more responsibility for the obesity epidemic in this nation? Let us know your thoughts.
