The CDC listed the following states where 35 percent or more of the adult residents are obese: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware (new this year), Indiana, Iowa (new this year), Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio (new this year), Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas (new this year), and West Virginia. The worst states for obesity prevalence were Mississippi, (39.7 percent), West Virginia (39.1 percent), and Alabama (39 percent). But no part of America is obesity free. The latest stats show that all states and territories had more than 20 percent of adults with obesity. Three states (Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts) and the District of Columbia, however, scored fairly well with obesity rates under 25 percent. RELATED: How BMI Came to Define Obesity, and Why This Measure is Flawed The new figures reveal that obesity is especially a problem among Black and Hispanic populations. Hispanic residents in 22 states and Black residents in 35 states and the District of Columbia have widespread obesity. Meanwhile high obesity prevalence among non-Hispanic white residents is found in just seven states. Asians appear to be doing the best when it comes maintaining a healthier weight. No high degree of obesity is currently seen in any state among this population. The CDC notes, however, that some studies have indicated that the health risks associated with obesity may occur at a lower body mass index (BMI) for some people of Asian descent. Obesity is a significant health issue that heightens the risk for other serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and poorer mental health. The nation’s health protection agency advises individuals to talk regularly with their healthcare provider about their body mass index, family history of chronic disease, current lifestyle, and health risks. RELATED: How Obesity May Increase the Risk for COVID-19 Complications “To change the current course of obesity will take a sustained, comprehensive effort from all parts of society,” writes the CDC. “We will need to acknowledge existing health disparities and health inequities and address the social determinants of health such as poverty and lack of healthcare access if we are to ensure health equity.” Mitchell Roslin, MD, chief of obesity surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, argues that these trends have been going on for some time and, to some extent, they result from increased consumption of processed foods and socioeconomic factors. “Real food that is not processed costs more money,” said Dr. Rolin. “Fresh fruit and vegetables are expensive. So are animal products and fish that are only given natural foods. As a bariatric surgeon [specializing in the treatment of obesity], these factors will sadly make us busy for many years, and we will encounter younger and sicker patients.” RELATED: Tips for Weight Loss That Actually Work
