Everyone knows that obesity is a big problem these days...
How big of a problem is it where you live?
The latest state obesity maps from the CDC can help you get a very good idea how your state is doing at preventing and treating people who are obese. Estimates range from 20.7 percent in Colorado to 34.9 percent in Mississippi. The states with the highest prevalence of obesity include:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Texas
- West Virginia
According to the CDC, "the South had the highest prevalence of obesity (29.5%), followed by the Midwest (29.0%), the Northeast (25.3%) and the West (24.3%)."
And "no state has met the nation's Healthy People 2010 goal to lower obesity prevalence to 15%."
There are many well-known strategies to combat obesity though, including knowing your child's body mass index, helping your kids stay at a healthy weight, and encouraging them to be physically active for at least one hour each day. Your pediatrician can help too.
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Childhood Obesity
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Exercise and Fitness for Kids
Healthy Eating Habits
