Obesity, in many developed nations, is a problem and one that is increasing at a level that matches the expansion in waistlines. Obesity refers to the medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have a negative effect on health. The common measure of obesity is body mass index (a value derived from the mass or weight, and height of an individual).
In U.S., the collective spending on obesity-related medical treatment is close to $315.8 billion.
In a recent survey WalletHub analysts examined the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia against 17 key metrics. These metrics included the “percentage of adults and children who are overweight and obese” and “sugary-beverage consumption among adolescents.” Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with 100 representing the most unhealthy conditions.
The outcome of this review was that the 10 fattest states were:
1 Mississippi
2 Louisiana
3 Arkansas
4 Kentucky
5 Tennessee
6 West Virginia
7 South Carolina
8 Alabama
9 Texas
10 Oklahoma
The next ten were: Delaware, Indiana, Arizona, North Dakota, New Mexico, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, Kansas and Missouri.
In terms of the reverse, that is states with the lowest levels of obesity, Colorado comes top with the lowest percentage of obese adults (at 21.3 percent of the population.) This is figure is almost two-fold below Arkansas, which stands at 35.9 percent of the adult population.
With another measure, physical activity, Mississippi comes top with 31.6 percent of the population engaging in regular exercise. With health issues, Colorado again has a high placing, with the lowest percentage of diabetic adults at 6.8 percent. This contrasts with the state with highest rate – Mississippi — at 14.7 percent. With high blood pressure, Minnesota has the lowest rate at 25.2 percent of the adult population. This compares with both Louisiana and Mississippi which have 38.0 percent of their adult population with high blood pressure.
The best overall state for health was Utah, followed by Colorado and New Jersey.
