ATLANTA – A new study has found that Georgia adults are above the national average for obesity in the United States.
Release:
- 37% of adults in Georgia are classed as obese with a BMI of 30.0 or higher.
- In 24 states, more than 33.3% of the adult population has a BMI of 30.0 or higher based on reported height or weight.
- 33.6% of the general adult population in the US are classed as obese.
New research has revealed nearly half of states have over 33.3% of their adult population classed as obese, with Georgia‘s adult obesity rate above the national average.
The obesity epidemic has been growing over the past decade, as the country increasingly struggles with weight management.
With this in mind free fitness app Flex AI analyzed data from America’s Health Rankings on the percentage of adults with a body mass index of 30.0 or higher based on reported height and weight, to identify the states this is the biggest issue.
Obesity can lead to a multitude of serious medical conditions, such as heart disease and stroke, which can impact life expectancy.
According to the findings, 24 states – including Georgia, Texas and North Carolina – are in urgent need of obesity prevention and treatment as over a third of their adult residents are battling obesity.
In Georgia, 37% of adults are classed as obese, compared to the rate of 33.6% for the nation.
Adult obesity is of the highest concern in West Virginia, with 41% of adults living in the state in this weight class.
Louisiana has the second biggest problem with obesity, with 40.1% of adults facing this health issue. Oklahoma follows very closely in third, with obesity levels almost identical, with 40% of adults living in the state in this weight class.
The states with over a third of adults reporting obesity
Rank State Percentage of adults reporting BMI of 30 or higher 1. West Virginia 41% 2. Louisiana 40.1% 3. Oklahoma 40% 4. Mississippi 39.5% 5. Tennessee 38.9% 6. Alabama 38.3% 7. Ohio 38.1% 8. Delaware 37.9% 9. (=) Indiana 37.7% 9. (=) Kentucky 37.7% 9. (=) Wisconsin 37.7% 10. (=) Arkansas 37.4% 10. (=) Iowa 37.4% 11. Georgia 37% 12. South Dakota 36.8% 13. Missouri 36.4% 14. Kansas 35.7% 15. Texas 35.5% 16. North Dakota 35.4% 17. Nebraska 35.3% 18. Virginia 35.2% 19. South Carolina 35% 20. Michigan 34.5% 21. Wyoming 34.2% 22. North Carolina 34.1% 23. Minnesota 33.6% 24. Nevada 33.5%
The number of states with over a third of adults dealing with obesity may soon rise even higher if the epidemic doesn’t start to improve, as Illinois and Pennsylvania teeter on the edge – both with 33.3% of their adult population with a BMI of 30.0 or higher.
Arizona, Idaho and Maryland are also not far off, with all three states having 33.2% of adult residents classed as obese.
On the other end of the scale, Colorado has been identified as the state obesity rates are of least concern, with only 25% of the adult population obese.
Hawaii has the second lowest percentage of adults classed as obese at 25.9%.
Vermont is the third state where obesity levels are most under control with 26.8% of adults considered to be in this weight bracket.
However, while these states may have the lowest obesity rates in the U.S, roughly a quarter of their adult residents are still classed as obese.
The ten states with the lowest percentage of adults reporting obesity
Rank State Percentage of adults reporting BMI of 30 or higher 1. Colorado 25% 2. Hawaii 25.9% 3. Vermont 26.8% 4. Massachusetts 27.2% 5. California 28.1% 6. New Jersey 29.1% 7. New York 30.1% 8. New Hampshire 30.2% 9. Montana 30.5% 10. Connecticut 30.6%
Commenting on the findings, Amin Niri, CEO of Flex AI says:
“The US is one of the most obese countries in the world, with its ranking significantly higher when focusing on high-income countries.
“While there are numerous factors which play a part in this, the large portion sizes consumed by many Americans and inactive lifestyles are largely responsible.
“The combination of a higher calorie intake combined with less movement to burn through the excess inevitably results in weight gain.
“It is recommended adults engage in moderate aerobic activity for at least 150 minutes a week, or vigorous aerobic activity for at least 75 minutes.
“Small changes in your routine can help you achieve this, without having to drastically alter your lifestyle. For example, by doing a 20-minute workout before getting ready for the day or going for walk after you finish work when the weather is nice.”
