Most States Are Getting Fatter, Report Finds
Despite efforts to contain the spread of the American waistline, obesity rates in adults rose in 31 states last year—and no state experienced a decline, according to a report issued today by the nonprofit research group Trust for America's Health. The report also found that 85 percent of adults believe that obesity, with its health risks of heart disease and diabetes, has become an epidemic. Yet 22 percent of those surveyed said they never exercise.
Rates of obesity vary widely from state to state: Mississippi topped the annual ranking with a rate of almost 31 percent, while Colorado remained the leanest with a rate of just under 18 percent. With a childhood obesity rate of nearly 23 percent, Washington, D.C., won the shameful distinction of having the fattest youth.
Fattest States* for Adults
| State | Obesity Rate | Diabetes Rate |
| Mississippi | 30.6% | 10.1% |
| West Virginia | 29.8% | 11.1% |
| Alabama | 29.4% | 9.3% |
| Louisiana | 28.2% | 8.9% |
| South Carolina & Tennessee (tie) | 27.8% | 9.4% (both) |
Leanest States* for Adults
| State | Obesity Rate | Diabetes Rate |
| Colorado | 17.6% | 4.8% |
| Massachusetts | 19.8% | 6.1% |
| Vermont | 20.0% | 5.8% |
| Connecticut & Hawaii (tie) | 20.1% | 6.3% (Conn.), 7.8% (Hawaii) |
| Rhode Island | 20.5% | 7.5% |
Fattest States* for Kids
| State | Obesity Rate | Physically Active** |
| Washington, D.C. | 22.8% | 62.1% |
| West Virginia | 20.9% | 77.1% |
| Kentucky | 20.6% | 68.4% |
| Tennessee | 20.0% | 65.1% |
| North Carolina | 19.3% | 74.4% |
Leanest States* for Kids
| State | Obesity Rate | Physically Active** |
| Utah | 8.5% | 71.7% |
| Wyoming | 8.7% | 76.8% |
| Colorado | 9.9% | 70.4% |
| Idaho & Minnesota (tie) | 10.1% | 70.5% (Idaho), 72.8% (Minn.) |
| Washington State | 10.8% | 72.9% |
* includes Washington, D.C.
** percent participating in at least 20 minutes of physical activity three or more times per week
Source: Trust for America's Health (2007): F as in Failing: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America
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