Highest obesity rates in Southern, Midwestern states; Colorado has fewest obese, survey shows
August 13, 2012 - 12:05 PM
ATLANTA - A new government survey shows 12 states now have very high obesity rates.
Overall, more than a third of adults are obese but rates vary by state. The latest figures are based on a 2011 telephone survey that asked adults their height and weight. For the first time, households with only cellphones were included.
State rates remained about the same although states with very high rates went from nine to 12. At least 30 per cent of adults are obese in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia.
Colorado was lowest, at just under 21 per cent, and Mississippi was highest at nearly 36 per cent.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the figures Monday.
___
Online:
CDC state obesity data: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
News from © The Associated Press, 2012