Waistlines keep expanding in 31 states

Mississippi and other poor areas weigh down the obesity list
Associated Press

WASHINGTON - The gravy train — make that the sausage, biscuits and gravy train — just kept on rolling in most of America last year, with 31 states showing an increase in obesity. Mississippi continued to lead the way. An estimated 29.5 percent of adults there are considered obese. That’s an increase of 1.1 percentage points when compared with last year’s report, which is compiled by Trust for America’s Health, an advocacy group that promotes increased funding for public health programs. “Obesity now exceeds 25 percent in 13 states, which should sound some serious alarm bells,” said Dr. Jeff Levi, executive director of the advocacy group. Health officials warn that a high incidence of obesity in a particular state doesn’t mean it treats the issue less seriously than others. States have different challenges to contend with when it comes to obesity, said Dr. Janet Collins of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. See: Waistlines keep expanding in 31 states