R.I., Mass. low in obesity according to state ranking

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island and Massachusetts have among the lowest obesity rates in the country, according to “The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America” report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Trust for America’s Health.
Rhode Island was No. 31 on the 2013 list, with a 27.2 percent rate, which ranked all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia.
Massachusetts was No. 48, with a 23.6 percent rate.
In 2012, both states fared a bit better on the list, when Rhode Island ranked No. 36 and Massachusetts was No. 49.
As good as the current ranking is, the underlying numbers reflect the national trend of gaining weight. In 1990, Rhode Island’s obesity rate was 10 percent, the report stated.
Mississippi and West Virginia were tied for the highest obesity rates at 35.1 percent. Arkansas was next at 34.6 percent. Colorado had the lowest rate at 21.3 percent, preceded by Hawaii at 21.8 percent.
Data showed that 20 states have rates at or above 30 percent, 43 states have rates of at least 25 percent and every state is greater than 20 percent.
All 10 states with the highest rates of obesity are in the South or Midwest. Northeastern and Western states have the lowest rates of obesity.

Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a telephone health survey, is used to compile the results. Through this system, more than 400,000 adult interviews are conducted each year.
“Over the past 30 years, adult obesity rates have sharply risen, doubling since 1980. Today, that rate of increase is beginning to slow. In 2005, every state but one reported an increase in obesity rates; this past year, only six states experienced an increase. Ultimately, however, adult rates remain far too high across the nation, putting millions of Americans at higher risk for a range of serious health problems, from type 2 diabetes to heart disease,” the report states.
To see the full report, click HERE.

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