Adult obesity rates increased in 23 states and haven't decreased in a single state over the last year, according to a new report from the Trust For America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).
The percentage of obese or overweight children ages 10 to 17 is also noted to be at or above 30 percent in 30 states. The study reveals 36.5 percent of Tennessee children and 30.2 percent of adults are obese or overweight.
Mississippi had the highest rate of adult obesity for the fifth year in a row, at 32.5 percent. Eight of the 10 states with the highest percentage of obese adults are here in the South. Colorado continued to have the lowest percentage of obese adults, at 18.9 percent. The five states with the highest adult obesity rates, in order, are:
1. Mississippi
2. Alabama
3. West Virginia
4. Tennessee
5. South Carolina
Adult obesity rates now exceed 25 percent in 31 states, and 20 percent in 49 states and Washington, D.C. Two-thirds of American adults are obese or overweight. In 1991, experts say no state had an obesity rate above 20 percent. In 1980, the national average for adult obesity was 15 percent.
Mississippi also had the highest rate of obese and overweight children, at 44.4 percent. Minnesota and Utah had the lowest rate, at 23.1 percent. Tennessee ranks fifth among the list of states for obesity and overweight among children. Eight of the 10 states with the highest rates of obese and overweight children are also here in the South. Experts say childhood obesity rates have now more than tripled since 1980.
President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A., said reversing the nationwide childhood obesity epidemic is critical. “If we can prevent the current generation of young people from developing the serious and costly chronic conditions related to obesity, we can not only improve health and quality of life, but we can also save billions of dollars and make our health care systems more efficient and sustainable."
The report calls for a nationwide plan for tackling obesity that includes collaboration at the federal, state and local level and among businesses, communities, schools and families. Recommendations include providing healthy foods and drinks to students at school, increasing availability of affordable healthy foods in all communities, increasing physical activity requirements at school, limiting screen time, encouraging wellness at work programs, and improving access to safe and healthy places to live, work, learn, and play.
Get Fit Tennessee has been working to raise awareness about the importance of moving more and eating healthier in an effort to reduce health problems associated with overweight and obesity. Tennesseans can use the free tools at www.GetFitTN.com to create and track personal health goals, enter or create personalized fitness challenges, keep a food journal and count calories, and much more. Let’s work together to turn these numbers around and Get Fit Tennessee! If you need help on your personal journey to better health, please contact us today at: info@GetFitTN.com.