Highest obesity rates in Southern, Midwestern states; Colorado has fewest obese, survey shows

Article by: MIKE STOBBE
Updated: August 13, 2012 - 8:10 PM

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ATLANTA - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a national "obesity map" Monday, showing that 12 states have adult obesity rates above 30 percent.

The figures are based on a 2011 phone survey that asked adults their height and weight, from which a body mass index figure -- and thus obesity -- could be calculated. For the first time, households with only cellphones were included, making direct comparisons with past surveys impossible

The latest figures show the highest obesity rates in 1. Mississippi (34.9 percent); 2. Louisiana (33.4 percent); 3. West Virginia (32.4 percent); 4. Alabama (32 percent); 5. Michigan (31.3 percent); 6. Oklahoma (31.1 percent); 7. Arkansas (30.9 percent); 8. Indiana and South Carolina (30.8 percent); 10. Kentucky and Texas (30.4 percent), and 12. Missouri (30.3 percent).

Minnesota, at 25.7 percent, ranked 36th among the states and the District of Columbia; Colorado was lowest, at 20.7 percent.

NEWS SERVICES

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Online:

CDC state obesity data: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html