The CDC Releases State-by-State Obesity Data; Six States Show Significant Increases in Obesity Rates

Twitter summary: CDC releases state-by-state obesity data, several states see increases in adult obesity rates – childhood obesity rates level off

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently released its newest state-by-state obesity (a body mass index, or BMI, 30 or above) data from 2013. The report highlights that the prevalence of adult obesity is still increasing in the US, with six states (Alaska, Delaware, Idaho, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Wyoming) showing significant increases. According to the data, Mississippi and West Virginia have the highest obesity rates – both at 35.1% of the adult population. Colorado, Hawaii, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, California, Utah, Montana, and Vermont have the lowest obesity rates – all below 25%, with Colorado having the lowest rate at 21.3%. We continue to find obesity data quite alarming and a reminder of the challenges in helping people manage weight in a toxic food environment that promotes unhealthy choices. -AJW