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What is obesity? -

Obesity is a medical condition caused by excessive body fat. Doctors can diagnose obesity by examining one's body mass index (BMI). This factors in an individual's height, body weight, age group, and sex.

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How common is obesity? - According to Healthline, "Nearly 20% of children ages 2 to 19 in the United States also have obesity, which is more than 14.7 million children and adolescents." When it comes to adults, over two-thirds are overweight or obese.

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Cost of obesity -

According to a Forbes Health article, "Medical costs for people with obesity in the US tend to be 30% to 40% higher than those for people without obesity."

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Causes of obesity - Some causes of obesity can include: lack of physical activity; unhealthy eating behaviors; not getting enough good-quality sleep; high amounts of stress; health conditions; genetics; medicine; and environment.

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Obesity prevention -

To prevent obesity, focus on improving eating habits by consuming more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while avoiding highly processed foods. Additionally, incorporate regular physical activity, aiming for 60 to 90 minutes of moderate to intense exercise most days of the week.

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Obesity treatments -

If you have become obese, it's usually possible to undo what's been done, or at least in part. Be sure to consult a doctor first, but, as mentioned, many people can lose weight with changes in diet and exercise frequency. However, for more challenging cases, bariatric surgery or obesity medications may be needed.

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Most obese states -

Now that you know more about what obesity is and how it happens, let's take a look at the top 10 most obese US states.

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10. Kentucky (37.8%) -

Kentucky has a lot of fast food and processed food options in rural areas, which can make healthy eating challenging.

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9. Delaware (37.8%) -

In Delaware, healthcare coverage for obesity and weight management is considered inadequate and often varies significantly by what health plan a person has.

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8. Indiana (37.9%) -

Lifestyle choices and cultural norms around food are two huge contributing factors to obesity in Indiana. According to the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, "89 percent of adults (in Indiana) do not consume the recommended number of fruits, and 91 percent do not consume the recommended number of vegetables."

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7. Alabama (37.9%) -

Alabama has a high obesity rate due to several socioeconomic factors and cultural behaviors, as well as limited access to education and higher income. Also, the state has significant racial disparities, with Black Alabamians facing higher obesity rates.

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6. Ohio (38%) -

In Ohio, the risk of obesity is increased due to lower educational attainment, lower income, and only having Medicaid insurance. Obesity greatly increases the risk of diseases in both children and adults.

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5. Tennessee (39.1%) -

Efforts to address obesity in Tennessee include public health initiatives aimed at improving access to healthy foods, promoting physical activity, and increasing awareness.

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4. Mississippi (39.7%) -

Mississippi is working to decrease obesity rates through several means, including the promotion of healthy lifestyles and decreasing food insecurity by reducing the number of food deserts in the state.

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3. Louisiana (40.0%) -

In Louisiana, obesity is driven predominately by food insecurity, which forces many residents to rely on less nutritious, calorie-dense foods due to limited access to healthier options. This issue is compounded by social determinants of health like transportation barriers, food deserts (geographic areas with limited access to healthy food), and economic constraints.

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2. Oklahoma (40.3%) -

Obesity in Oklahoma is driven by unhealthy food choices, physical inactivity, and the overconsumption of sugary drinks. This epidemic not only impacts the health of those residing in the state, leading to chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but it also places a significant financial burden on the state's economy.

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1. West Virginia (41.3%) -

West Virginia is the second most rural state in the nation and two-thirds of its population live in communities of less than 2,500 people, meaning there is limited access to healthy food retailers and low rates of physical activity.

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Least obese states -

Now that we've explored the top 10 most obese state, let's look into the 10 least obese ones!

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10. Montana (30.6%) -

Montana has a low obesity rate thanks in part to state programs promoting nutritious, unprocessed foods in schools and hospitals.

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9. Connecticut (30.4%) -

Connecticut has a low obesity rate largely owing to its access to affordable and healthy food, safe places for physical activity, and community design.

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8. New York (30.0%) -

New York is a very walkable and bikeable city, which encourages residents to be more active and healthy. Also, there are numerous farmers’ markets, community gardens, and initiatives to increase access to fresh and affordable produce.

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7. New Hampshire (29.8%) -

While New Hampshire has many factors that contribute to the low obesity rate, one of them is that schools and community organizations often run programs to educate people about nutrition and physical activity.

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6. New Jersey (28.8%) -

New Jersey has implemented various public health initiatives aimed at promoting healthy eating and physical activity. Additionally, many areas in New Jersey are designed to encourage walking and biking.

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5. California (28.1%) -

California has comparatively good access to healthcare services, including preventive care. Also, schools and community organizations run programs to educate individuals about nutrition and the importance of physical exercise.

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4. Hawaii (26.9%) -

Cultural practices in Hawaii contribute to the state's low obesity rate. Many Hawaiian gatherings emphasize physical activity and home-cooked meals.

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3. Massachusetts (26.8%) -

Massachusetts has public health initiatives such as Mass in Motion, which helps create environments that support healthy behaviors and living.

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2. Vermont (26.4%) -

Vermont has lots of outdoor recreational opportunities, such as hiking, skiing, and other activities that promote physical fitness. Additionally, the state has impressive access to healthy foods.

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1. Colorado (24.9%) -

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tells us that Colorado has the lowest rate of obesity in the United States, thanks in part to the altitude.

Sources: (Healthline) (U.S. News & World Report) (Forbes Health) (CBS) (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) (Obesity Action Coalition) (Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation) (CDC)

See also: Countries that are more obese than the US

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