OBESITY TRENDS WORSEN IN THE US

According to "F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future 2011," a report from Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the obesity epidemic is most pronounced in the southern US states, which claimed nine out of the top ten states with the highest adult obesity rates.

While no state had an obesity rate above 15% 20 years ago, 38 states now have obesity rates more than 25% and only one state has a rate lower than 20%, according to the report.

Four years ago, only one state had an obesity rate above 30%; twelve states do now.

Based on 2008 to 2010 data, the states with the highest percentage of the adult obesity rate were Mississippi (34.4%), Alabama (32.4%), West Virginia (32.2%), Tennessee (31.9%) and Louisiana (31.6%).

States with the lowest percentage of obese adults were Colorado (19.8%), District of Columbia (21.7%), Connecticut (21.8%), Massachusetts (22.3%) and Hawaii (23.4%).

The study found that states with the lowest fruit and vegetable consumption also tended to rank high in obesity.

The report lists recommendations for policymakers looking to improve the diet and lifestyle of families and children:
- Make sure all foods and drinks served in schools meet or exceed Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
- Increase access to healthy, affordable foods through new or improved grocery stores and healthier corner stores and bodegas.
- Increase the time and intensity of physical activity.
- Increase physical activity by improving living environment in communities.
- Use pricing strategies to promote the purchase of healthier foods.
- Reduce children’s exposure to the marketing of unhealthy foods.