“Ultimately, however, adult rates remain far too high across the nation, putting millions of Americans at higher risk for a range of serious health problems, from type 2 diabetes to heart disease,” says the report. “Significant disparities also persist. Rates are disproportionately higher in the South, among lower-income Americans and among racial and ethnic minorities.” Mississippi and West Virginia have highest obesity rates, 35.1 percent. Colorado is lowest at 21.3 percent.
The report says there is a large pay-off in approaches that include more physical activity for children and adults, healthy school meals, making “healthy, affordable food prevalent in all communities,” more attention to obesity prevention by the health care community, and more attention to obesity prevention among children. “This emphasis on early childhood is particularly important because research tells us that if you can avoid obesity early on, you’re much more likely to maintain a healthy weight into adolescence and adulthood,” it said.
For a chart, a map and a ranking of the states, click here.
For soda in the water fountains and free money to buy junk food, the spoof movie trailer “Snackpocalypse” can’t be beat. Watch for the DC cameo.