Yes, the news is definitely disheartening and endangering. The Trust for America’s Health has published a new report, bluntly titled “F as in Fat”, with clear indications that 2/3 of Americans are now either overweight (body-mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher) or obese (30-plus BMI). The report also concluded that adult obesity rates increased in 28 states in the past year, and declined only in the District of Columbia (D.C.).
The map above shows America’s obesity rates state by state. Here’s a list of state-wise Obesity Rates for Adults
1. Mississippi 33.8%
2. Alabama 31.6%
3. Tennessee 31.6%
4. West Virginia 31.3%
5. Louisiana 31.2%
6. Oklahoma 30.6%
7. Kentucky 30.5%
8. Arkansas 30.1%
9. South Carolina 29.9%
10. North Carolina 29.4%
10. Michigan 29.4%
12. Missouri 29.3%
13. Ohio 29.0%
13. Texas 29.0%
15. South Dakota 28.5%
16. Kansas 28.2%
17. Pennsylvania 28.1%
17. Georgia 28.1%
17. Indiana 28.1%
20. Delaware 27.9%
21. North Dakota 27.7%
22. Iowa 27.6%
23. Nebraska 27.3%
24. Alaska 26.9%
24. Wisconsin 26.9%
26. Illinois 26.6%
26. Maryland 26.6%
28. Washington 26.3%
29. Maine 25.8%
29. Arizona 25.8%
31. Nevada 25.6%
32. Virginia 25.5%
32. Minnesota 25.5%
32. New Mexico 25.5%
35. New Hampshire 25.4%
36. New York 25.1%
36. Florida 25.1%
36. Idaho 25.1%
39. Oregon 25.0%
39. Wyoming 25.0%
41. California 24.4%
42. New Jersey 23.9%
43. Montana 23.5%
44. Utah 23.2%
45. Rhode Island 22.9%
46. Vermont 22.8%
47. Hawaii 22.6%
48. Massachusetts 21.7%
49. D.C. 21.5%
50. Connecticut 21.4%
51. Colorado 19.1%
Apparently, there is also a deep correlation between income and weight because 35.3% of adults earning less than $15,000/year were obese as compared to 24.5% of adults earning $50,000 or more per year. Another fact cementing the theory is that Mississippi is also the poorest state in America and ranks in the bottom ten in educational spending as well. When unemployment rises, obesity can soon follow because lesser expenses often mean cutting the healthier, more expensive foods and people turn to junk food have a filling meal and relieve stress.
SOURCE
On the other hand, physical exercise can always help combat weight gain or even the side effects of junk food. Look at bottom of the list with Colorado at 19%. With the Rockies presenting themselves there is no dearth of places to go for trekking, mountain climbing or even snowboarding! How about about the connecting dots here!
The only shred of good news is the fact that child obesity across many age-groups has steadied. Studies showed that for most lowest age groups, the rate of obesity has stabilized or going negative. But in 6-11 year olds and teens, the rise has tripled and quadrupled since 1970 and remain at an outrageous 17% nationally. Let’s Move, the effort by the First Lady, Michelle Obama has its eye set on bringing down childhood obesity rate down to 5% or less by 2030.
One of the largest sources of extra calories in the American diet is sweetened beverages — and research suggests that a 20% tax on non-diet soda would cut calorie intake from beverages by 13% for adults and 11% for children. Taxes, of course, are rarely popular — and an effort to impose one on non-diet soda in New York state was just defeated.
Fight against obesity needs planning and coordination of people’s lifestyle, food habits, food quality and exercise regimen. There have been many examples where people have fought obesity (even if it meant surgery) and lived a healthy life!
