More than a third of U.S. adults and 17 percent of kids and teens are obese.
For adults, body mass index (BMI) – a measure of weight relative to height – defines obesity. A BMI above 25 is considered overweight, and BMI over 29.5, which is equivalent to a 5-foot, 4-inch adult weighing 174 pounds, is considered obese. For children, BMI calculations also factor-in the weights of other kids in the same age group.
10 states with the highest obesity rates
Mississippi (35.4%)
West Virginia (34.4%)
Delaware (34.3%)
Louisiana (32.7%)
Arkansas (32.3%)
South Carolina (31.4%)
Tennessee (31.3%)
Ohio (30.9%)
Kentucky (30.6%)
Oklahoma (30.5%)
10 states with the lowest obesity rates
Montana (19.6%)
Colorado (20.4%)
Nevada (21.1%)
Minnesota (22%)
Massachusetts (22.2%)
Connecticut (23.2%)
New Mexico (23.5%)
California (23.6%)
Hawaii (23.7%)
New York (24%)
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
a) More physical activity
b) Cut out junk food, processed food, eating out, sodas and sugar rich food
c) Eat more grains, fruits and vegetables