Mississippi, West Virginia Lead Nation in Obesity

By John Raby/Associated Press

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A new report by two public health groups shows West Virginia and Mississippi have the highest adult obesity rates in the nation.

The report released Thursday by the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found adult rates at 35.1 percent in both states.

Colorado continued to be the thinnest state at 21.3 percent.

The study showed an alarming 20 states topped 30 percent obesity in 2013, up from 12 states in 2010. Nine of the 10 states with the highest rates are in the South.

Six states showed significant increases in adult obesity rates. No state showed decreases.

Trust for America’s Health executive director Jeffrey Levi says to reverse the trend, efforts need to start in early childhood to promote healthy eating and increased physical activity.