The Weight of the Nation: 2013 Obesity Rates

[Alex Brecher 10,515]

The 2013 rankings of obesity rates among states were released by Gallup Well-Being. The report shows that Mississippi took over the top position as most obese state from West Virginia. Mississippi had an obesity rate of 35.4 percent for 2013. West Virginia had held the title of most obese state from 2010 through 2012. Mississippi has ranked among the top 10 obese states since 2008. The 10 Most Obese States were:

• Mississippi: 35.4%
• West Virginia: 34.4%
• Delaware: 34.3%
• Louisiana: 32.7%
• Arkansas: 32.3%
• South Carolina: 31.4%
• Tennessee: 31.3%
• Ohio: 30.9%
• Kentucky: 30.6%
• Oklahoma: 30.5%

On the other end of the spectrum, Montana took the position of least obese state from Colorado. Montana was 19.6 percent, the only state to have an rate of less than 20. The 10 Least Obese states were:

• Montana: 19.6%
• Colorado: 20.4%
• Nevada: 21.1%
• Minnesota: 22.0%
• Massachusetts: 22.2%
• Connecticut: 23.2%
• New Mexico: 23.5%
• California: 23.6%
• Hawaii: 23.7%
• New York: 24.0%

The national obesity rate increased slightly, from 26.2 percent in 2012 to 27.1 percent in 2013. On June 18, 2013 the American Medical Association (AMA) adopted policy that recognizes obesity as a disease requiring a range of medical interventions to advance obesity treatment and prevention.

Source: Gallop Well-Being, 2014. Mississippians Most Obese, Montanans Least Obese.

Available at: http://www.gallup.com/poll/167642/mississippians-obese-montanans-least-obese.aspx

[Accessed 11 March 2014].

[7 Bites_Jen 479]

Those are really interesting stats - and a little surprising! I would have expected Texas (my home state) to be one of the top states - obesity is everywhere around here. I have to wonder if there is a correlation between obesity and income? It looks like the top income states are the least obese and the lowest income states are the most obese ... My mom and I are working with the county to educate those on food stamps and other government assistance on diet and nutrition. I think this is something each state should consider implementing!

[Alex Brecher 10,515]

Those are really interesting stats - and a little surprising! I would have expected Texas (my home state) to be one of the top states - obesity is everywhere around here. I have to wonder if there is a correlation between obesity and income? It looks like the top income states are the least obese and the lowest income states are the most obese ... My mom and I are working with the county to educate those on food stamps and other government assistance on diet and nutrition. I think this is something each state should consider implementing!

Texas almost made it to the top 10 list. It has a 29.8% obesity rate. There definitely is a correlation between income and obesity rates. I noticed subsidized healthy produce carts popping up in low income neighborhoods around NYC. It's these small innovative steps that will most definitely make a big difference.

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

North Carolina for $100 Alex.............

[ny2fly 39]

Carolinagirl I agree with you! I'm surprised NC didn't make it

[Alex Brecher 10,515]

North Carolina for $100 Alex.............

28.1%

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

yes, we be part of what my lap band dr calls the biscuit belt.........and gosh did my grammy make the best biscuits EVER

with lard...the good STUFF....ah memories

North Carolina for $100 Alex.............

28.1%

[Bandista 7,466]

Biscuit Belt, ouch!

[Bandarella 223]

I'm surprised Washington isn't on there...with our longgggg winters.

[NancyintheNorth 112]

There has to be a correlation between low income and obesity. Interesting subject to research.

Thanks Alex

I'm in Canada and I'll research those too

[NancyintheNorth 112]

The proportion of residents who were obese was lower than the national average (18.4%) in:

• Quebec (17.2%)
• British Columbia (14.1%)

The proportion of residents who were obese was higher than the national average in:

• Newfoundland and Labrador (26.3%)
• Prince Edward Island (26.1%)
• Nova Scotia (25.1%)
• New Brunswick (28.0%)
• Saskatchewan (25.4%)
• Northwest Territories (26.4%)

[NMJG 1,266]

New Mexico has a low rate, and this is a very poor state. I think that is due to eating chiles, however.