Well, it’s official… According to a recent report from the CDC, the obesity rate (i.e., the fraction of population with a BMI of 30 or more) in the United States has increased to 25.6%. This report makes the nationwide push to reduce obesity rates to less than 15% by 2010 almost laughable.
Overall, 45 states saw an increase over two years ago. This fittest state in the country is currently Colorado, though even their 19% obesity rate represents an increase since the previous survey. Three southern states (Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee) led the way with adult obesity rates in excess of 30%.
For the record, I currently fall into the “overweight” category, though I’m well on my way back into the normal range, and don’t have too much further to go.
[Source: newsday.com]