Ah, Americans. We’re known for our passion for free enterprise, love of entertainment, and addiction to food; in fact, new obesity numbers prove that awareness has done little to dispel negative conceptions about Americans’ eating habits. A new study from Cornell University highlights some of the dietary problems we have in this country, ranking the seven most obese states in the Union. Complications resulting from obesity represent approximately 21 percent of all healthcare expenditures in the US. Obviously, obesity will never go away entirely, but the impact of potentially lowering this number can’t be overstated. Here’s a look at the worst offenders in the Great American Pigout.
The Most Obese States
1. West Virginia – 33.5 percent obesity rate
2. Mississippi – 32.2 percent obesity rate
3. Arkansas – 31.4 percent obesity rate
4. Louisiana – 30.9 percent obesity rate
5. Alabama – 30.4 percent obesity rate
6. Kentucky – 29.7 percent obesity rate
7. Tennessee – 29.60 percent obesity rate
Although these numbers are sobering, they don’t provide much insight into the genesis of Americans’ eating problems. Perhaps significantly, the majority of these states reside in the Southern US. Researchers are beginning to take a closer look at dietary and exercise habits in states most affected by dieabetes to try and address the problem more effectively. Ultimately, it will still be up to individuals to decide if the unhealthy diets they love are worth the increased risk of obesity and its accompanying health issues including cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
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