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June 29th, 2010
11:02 AM ET
Obesity rising; Southern states have highest ratesThe Southern states of the U.S. have some of the highest rates of obesity in the country, according to a new report from the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The report found that adult obesity rates rose in 28 states over the past year, with Washington, D.C. as the only area that showed a decline. Ten out of 11 states with the highest rates are located in the South; Mississippi has the highest for the sixth year in a row. Income disparities may contribute to this trend of obesity being prevalent in the South, said Angela Glover Blackwell, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of PolicyLink. The issue of access and affordability of healthy food is also a factor, said Dr. James Marks, senior vice president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The analysis, "F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future 2010," is the seventh annual report on obesity from these organizations. The newest report looked at average rates from 2007 to 2009, compared to 2006 to 2008. Obesity rates are above 25 percent in 38 states, and above 30 percent in eight states. Back in 1991, no state had an obesity rate above 20 percent, and the national average was only 15 percent in 1980. In 12 states, the number of adults who say they do not engage in any physical activity rose. Washington D.C. and two states had declines in this area. Diabetes rates have gone up 19 percent in adults in the past year, the report found. Diabetes and hypertension are strongly associated with obesity. The report found a strong association between socioeconomic status and adult obesity rates. About 35 percent of those earning less than $15,000 a year were obese, compared to 24.5 percent of adults earning $50,000 or more per year. There are also racial disparities in the picture of obesity in the U.S. Blacks and latinos have higher obesity rates than whites in nearly every state. More than one third of children and teens are obese or overweight, even though over 80 percent of parents believe that their children are of normal weight. "We’re in danger of raising the first generation who could live sicker and die younger than the generation before them," said Marks. But there are signs of progress, he said. Twenty states and Washington D.C. have nutritional standards for school lunches that are stricter than USDA standards. There are also 20 states that have passed requirements for body mass index assessments or other weight evaluations in schools. iReport: Follow 10-year-old child's obesity challenge Policy interventions that experts think about on the community level address adults as well as kids, said Jeff Levi, executive director of Trust for America’s Health. Making supermarkets more readily available, reducing the number of fast food restaurants, and redesigning neighborhoods to create more opportunities for exercise would be positive interventions for both adults and children, he said. Here's the states with highest rates: 1. Mississippi (33.8%)
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you are all f a t...fatty fatty fat fat!!!!!
Sonia, are you serious? Are you fat too? You haven't mentioned why your view is awfully skewed? Is your mom fat? Did you dad die of a stroke because his arteries filled with fat? did someone in your family loose a limb to diabetes bc they too were fat?
All of these scenarios – although extremely sad, i'm sure – could be prevented if fat people weren't, well, fat. And quite frankly, can all be avoided 100%
There are many, many variables in the way people live their lives. There is only one truth though – only yourself has control over EVERYTHING you do....
The simple truth is that ALL vices regarding health will affect insurance. So, abortions, smoking, driving fast, drug addicts all add to the system as well. But why, when we already know there is so many negative -proven- risks of health with poor diets and lack of exercise, should other people pay for it? (Same could be said for smoking, which people pay for – and are taxed HEAVILY for). As far as I know, no body pays an (extra fat) tax when they buy chips?
Take the steps, not the elevator. Walk to the grocery instead of driving (or parking farther away [instead of looking for a spot, wasting gas -which you're already wasting more of bc you're fat-] and walk to the store a few extra steps) Walk the dog more often. Use public transportation (walking and standing are better then sitting a driving). oh, here's a good one – don't eat after 8 pm if you follow normal daylight hours.... simple, simple things can add up and make a huge difference.
Simple concept. Eat local. Eat healthy.
As a fat person, I would like to add my 2 cents to this.
I know I am fat. I know there is no one to blame but ultimately myself. Do I make excuses? Yep, sure do! But making a complete lifestyle change is easier said then done. I would love to eat an healthy, organic diet. In fact, I love getting a nice salad from Whole Foods, with some fresh berries on the side. However, I am a college student with a full time job working to make ends meet, and eating a $1 cheeseburger from McDonalds with a $1 Coke on the side is more feasible, financially speaking as well as in the matter of convenience. As far as exercise goes, I am extremely heat intolerant. I was born and raised in New England, and the summers in Texas are unbearable. Sounds like excuses, I know, and they are. I could go to the gym, and ultimately it comes down to conjuring up the motivation to do it. Again, easier said then done. Do you know how many times I have vowed to start going to the gym, only to get home exhausted and blow it off? Being fat is a vicious cycle; you don't exercise because you are exhausted, you are exhausted because you are overweight (and overworked). You eat because you are depressed, but are you depressed because you are fat and miserable.
As far as the regional excuse goes, yeah, I get it, but it is just another excuse. Everyone is responsible for what they put in their mouth. However, it is true though; when I lived in CT in a small town with a population of about 25k there were maybe 4 or 5 fast food restaurants. Living in TX in a town with the same population and similar community, there are well over a dozen.
Also, being fat does not equal being stupid. I know the risks. I don't see smokers criticized nearly as much as people who are obese yet the risks of tobacco are just as well known. I don't see smokers called stupid and worthless due to the fact they smoke. Food can be just as addicting as tobacco. (I am addicted to food; I never got addicted to cigarettes.)
Nobody is perfect. Those who want to criticize overweight people should take a look in the mirror at their own shortcomings.
People who judge make me sick. Everyone has an issue – skinny, fat or just right have some problem. I feel like I pay to much for the alcholics who kill their livers and beat their families, but we won't stop that because politicians drink. I am over weight and guess what healthy. I work out DAILEY! Walk or swim. I don't like fried foods. I don't eat junk- I eat chicken, veggies and fruit. I work hard. But, my weight doesn't come off due to health issues that cause me to take steroid drugs. It sucks that people look at me and judge saying I eat to many sweets when I don't touch them. Before you judge someone try knowing them. Walk a mile in the shoes of a crones paitent or lupus patient that must take striods that turn their bodies against them. I work my butt off to try and keep my BP and all levels good and so far I am doing great, but I don't fit the 120 lbs bimbo profile so I must be lazy and eat to much. For you judgemental people it must be so hard living with all of us unperfect people considering you are so completely perfect in everyway uhg – you make SICK!!!!
You go Kate. I had gastric bypass because my doctors told me i would be healthier thin. guess what I'm not and i'm not thin,
What i am is disabled due to no vitamin absorption, anemia, severe ferritin levels, osteopenia that i can not take the meds for due to the bypass, rhuematoid arthritis which i can not take meds for due to the bypass, a dead thyroid, the surgeon ignored,
fibromyalgia, osetoarthritis, asthma, migraines, bone weakness, muscle loss, shall i go on?
What kills me is when doctors who have my file in front of them tell me to lose weight. I look them dead in the eye and tell them I tried to lose weight and it is killing me, anymore great ideas? Being judgemental helps no one, being kind, caring and trying to understand is. all you "fat" haters out there, try some kindness. We don't judge you because you are ugly, or uneducated, an alcoholic or drug addict. do we?
BlaqMajik
FYI – racist has no 'e'.
Obesity it a traditional bible belt family value. Us athiest heathen northerners are going to comdemned to eternal damnation for embracing satanic "lifestyle" choices like eating healthy food and exercising. Maybe southerners would be thinner if they prayed to be skinny. What the heck, if god can make it rain in Georgia, can't he make fatties thin?
In a Quantum Universe salt, fat and sugar are essential nutrients and we must all eat enough to stay healthy (not here though.)
http://bit.ly/aKOYkf
I live in RI. I'm 5'7 and weigh 130 pounds. A size "small" usually is too big for me in most clothing stores in the U.S. When I travel to Europe/Asia, a size medium fits me perfectly. It's really sad.
Y'all are a bunch of chunky butts! You have to trim like me....don't eat nuthin bad! Smoke cigarettes and run around the White House a lot.
It doesn't surprise me at all that the poorest, least educated, most obese region in the country is also the most religious.
You know after reading all these comments I just realized something: why didn't the health care reform bill with its stupid amount of money include something like a government funded gym program? Imagine if all those taxes we used to pay the government actually resulted in something worthwhile like that, where people didn't have to pay for a membership.
Yeah I know its positive thinking and it wouldn't get people "motivated" to go work out but they would be able to do it for free anytime they want.
Mike i totally agree. giving people a safe, affordable place to exercise is an excellent idea.
Nutrition programs should also be available as many people are unaware of the proper foods they should be eating.
Along with government programs to distribute fresh fruits and vegetables to low income families. this would help the local farmers, help with low income families eat better, and stimulate the economy.
WHAT!?!?! The place famous for bbq and fried everything...? this is shocking!!
i cant wait to start reading all the over weight people blaming genetics for their broken floor boards and sunken in couches
While genetics should not be an excuse, it certainly is a reality. I don't have a exceptionally slow metabolism, but it certainly isn't fast. That isn't my excuse. However, my best friend from college eats worse food and more of it and is bone skinny. Some people are just lucky.
I think there is one simple saying that needs to come back:
Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.
There is no denying that fact.
BLAME THE "ILLEGALS" FOR ALL THESE FAT AND LEAZY PEOPLE.
I was born and lived in the South for half my life and I can tell you it's not the food you eat, it's how much you eat and how often. I love to cook fried chicken and catfish the same way my mother used to cook it, but I only do maybe five or six times a year. I love fried corn (planning on fixing some for the Fourth), but I only fix that maybe once or twice a year. By personal preference I cook or eat very few sweets, but when I do make them (Thanksgiving and Christmas), I do it the old-fashioned way with real butter and sugar. I don't eat a lot of fast foods pretty much because I'd rather cook myself. You can fix the same kinds of foods (that taste just as good or better) if you just adjust the way you cook it. And yes, exercise is very important....walking, dancing, swimming, kickball, softball, bowling, probably even horseshoes.
good they deserve it they are the dumbest
Stop drinking soda and have a glass of water! Lay off the sugar and potato chips and eat a vegetable and have some fruit. Stop texting and put the TV remote down and take a walk! I just returned from a WDW vacation and I was sickened by the obesity that is EVERYWHERE! Share a meal! Take some control and stop eating SH** people! Regardless of genetics, reagardless of weather, individually we are in control of ourselves!! Stop making excuses. Find a park and take a walk!!!
As a Southerner now living in the North, the main thing I notice on visits home is the lack of sidewalks. It's difficult to get out and walk/jog in the morning. I was home on Halloween and wanted to walk around the neighborhood to look at the displays, and it was just too dangerous because I had to walk in the middle of the street.
What obese people really need: a friend to help motivate them. It can really be tough when you feel like you are all alone to make and keep drastic changes in lifestyle. Why don't you ask (in a non-insulting manner) your co-worker/friend/neighbor if they would like to go for a walk, run, play a game/sport?
The hardest thing about being obese is the constant feeling of worthlessness, which fuels some very debilitating repetitive behaviors. Even when an obese person starts to exercise, very likely they will be so sore and exhausted that it will be impossible to do it again the next 2 days. That just makes it all the harder to maintain.
I've always battled with my weight since the age of 10 even though I used to play 3 hours of tennis a day. In december, I was appaled to step on a scale and see 275, a weight I had never previously reached. I've been trying since then, and have gotten down to 225, with 50 more to go. I can't imagine how much easier it would be if a friend would just throw a word of encouragement here or there. Unfortunately, when you are 100 lbs overweight, people don't notice incremental changes.
You really don't understand how hard it is until you have to go through it, especially if you are depressed, as many obese people are.
They did always everything bigger in the South, I guess that includes their fat butts. Glad to live CO where people are healty and fit. Unlike TX where you don't see skinny people unless their paid to be.
Just blame it on me. I was responsible for:
9/11
Katrina
Michael Jacksons death
Etc...
Glad to see you're FINALLY taking some responsibility for your screw ups.....
Sherry,
Great thanks!
And its DRAGGED not DRUG.
Good day!
I have lived in the south all of my life and have been FAT all of my life. Went to put my shoes on one day (April 09) and I said SOB this is enough! I have lost 155lbs. Walk 6 miles a day. Just started to ride a bike. But you know it was my choice to be fat and it was my choice to lose wait. South has nothing to do with it. Lay off the south! We do everything better in the SOUTH!
Of course correlation does not equal causation. However, low education standards, strong religious beliefs, and unhealthy life styles make you think that there is some underlying theme.
I live in the south and weather has nothing to do with the obesity issue. When you look at the states on this list 2 things jump out. The first is these states also lead the nation with higher poverty rates and secondly access to healthcare is not always readily available.
I grew up in Florida which, while not on the list, is notorious for its sweltering and often miserable temperatures. I've always eaten fatterning foods–donuts, entire cakes, Chunky bars...I have an insatiable appetite. However, I balanced out my occasional binges and nightly desserts with a vegetarian diet, little alcohol and a great deal of exercise. I didn't have a car in high school or college so, unlike my friends, I just walked everywhere...even if the place I had to go was miles away. I'd skip the bus. I also went to gyms at least a few times a week...my college gym, apartment complex gym, etc. I now live in NYC and walk everywhere. I try to avoid riding the subway because walking is the best city to see this city. I sometimes walk 5 miles a day without even realizing it. I don't have the luxury of loading groceries into a car, so I carry heavy groceries for miles. This is unintentional exercise, but it feels great. I'm 5'9" and 130 lbs (and female). I'm not too thin at all...in fact, I could definitely tone up. It's hot as hell here in the city in the summer, too–possibly even more miserable than south as we aren't often close to the water, unless by the river. It doesn't keep people from walking everywhere. People can make tons of excuses not to exercise and sit around and get fat in NYC. Most places deliver, most people have draining jobs and commutes that make them want to collapse on their sofas and just order in, we have the country's best food, gym memberships are usually around 80+ a month and when your rent is insane, that's an added expense, plus, if you don't live near Central Park, it's hard to exercise on streets packed with pedestrians. However, it doesn't stop people from getting out and exercising. I see people running on the crowded streets everyday, just dodging people. At the end of the day, whether you're in the north or the south, out west or in a different country, it's about motivation. You have to want to be healthy and want to lose weight...it's not going to magically happen. If you want to blame it on the weather or lack of stores around, you're just looking for a scapegoat. Even Wal Mart sells salad mix. No matter where you live, there is ground to walk in. If you have a computer and a roof over your head, you can put on 8 minute abs on YouTube and move your body for 8 minutes to get some serious exercise. If you're going to shovel Twinkies down your throat, you're going to have to work it off. Where do you think it's going? Your massive gut. If you don't want to exercise, skip the Twinkie. Plain and simple. And I'm sorry, but no one gains 70 pounds by eating normal, healthy food, just because they don't have the time or resources (supposedly) to exercise. You are feasting like a maniac and you know it! It's probably gradual weight, so you didn't notice it right away and kept increasing your caloric intake. It happens to a lot of us, but we stop it when we gain 5 pounds, not 70. Wake up!
I grew up in Florida which, while not on the list, is notorious for its sweltering and often miserable temperatures. I've always eaten fatterning foods–donuts, entire cakes, Chunky bars...I have an insatiable appetite. However, I balanced out my occasional binges and nightly desserts with a vegetarian diet, little alcohol and a great deal of exercise. I didn't have a car in high school or college so, unlike my friends, I just walked everywhere...even if the place I had to go was miles away. I'd skip the bus. I also went to gyms at least a few times a week...my college gym, apartment complex gym, etc. I now live in NYC and walk everywhere. I try to avoid riding the subway because walking is the best way to see this city. I sometimes walk 5 miles a day without even realizing it. I don't have the luxury of loading groceries into a car, so I carry heavy groceries for miles. This is unintentional exercise, but it feels great. I'm 5'9" and 130 lbs (and female). I'm not too thin at all...in fact, I could definitely tone up. It's hot as hell here in the city in the summer, too–possibly even more miserable than south as we aren't often close to the water, unless by the river. It doesn't keep people from walking everywhere. People can make tons of excuses not to exercise and sit around and get fat in NYC. Most places deliver, most people have draining jobs and commutes that make them want to collapse on their sofas and just order in, we have the country's best food, gym memberships are usually around 80+ a month and when your rent is insane, that's an added expense, plus, if you don't live near Central Park, it's hard to exercise on streets packed with pedestrians. However, it doesn't stop people from getting out and exercising. I see people running on the crowded streets everyday, just dodging people. At the end of the day, whether you're in the north or the south, out west or in a different country, it's about motivation. You have to want to be healthy and want to lose weight...it's not going to magically happen. If you want to blame it on the weather or lack of stores around, you're just looking for a scapegoat. Even Wal Mart sells salad mix. No matter where you live, there is ground to walk on. If you have a computer and a roof over your head, you can put on 8 minute abs on YouTube and move your body for 8 minutes to get some serious exercise. If you're going to shovel Twinkies down your throat, you're going to have to work it off. Where do you think it's going? Your massive gut. If you don't want to exercise, skip the Twinkie. Plain and simple. And I'm sorry, but no one gains 70 pounds by eating normal, healthy food, just because they don't have the time or resources (supposedly) to exercise. You are feasting like a maniac and you know it! It's probably gradual weight, so you didn't notice it right away and kept increasing your caloric intake. It happens to a lot of us, but we stop it when we gain 5 pounds, not 70. Wake up!
I totally agree with you. well said.!!!
I don't think the weather in the south is a good excuse for not exercising. Here in Alberta, it's inhospitable outside (well below freezing, icy and/or snowy) from November through April, and Canada's obesity rates are lower than the US in general, way lower than the southern states.
The availability and cheapness of junk food over healthy food and lack of motivation to exercise or cook are two contributing factors, but I think the most obvious is that everyone around you looks just like you or larger.
Heat has nothing to do with it. DC has 100+ degree days in the summer and insane humidity but we still manage to exercise. It all comes to down to laziness, period.
I used to live in chicago, but now I live in Georgia. I'm in fantastic shape. I work out twice per day. But most everyone else is fat. I really think the oppressive heat and humidity mess with your metabolism. It seems like you do everything slower here. Like you're in slow motion all the time and your body is constantly trying to conserve water and minerals.
Funny how someone from Chicago can come on here and try to say something negative about southerners considering Chicago has a high obesity rate as well! So the people up there must be slow too!
is the post working?
having lived in Mississippi all my life I can tell you it's not ALL about the weather, it's not ALL about the food. We have the highest percentage of folks living on welfare, the highest infant mortality rate (because 15 year olds are having babies to get on welfare), therefore the highest number of unwed mothers, and when folks are getting a free check every month they are willing to work. OR the food that is affordable is the worst possible.
Having been 242 pounds on July 25,2008 and now 173 pounds it's ALL about the desire to be better. I would leave my house to walk 6 miles EVERY morning at 5am before going to work at 8 because it was too hot in the evenings when I got off work. Good food choices are available if you educate yourself. It's 80% nutrition and 20% exercise. You MUST have a calorie deficit and move to increase metabolism. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE AND ANYONE CAN DO IT!!
If I'm in Iraq and running when it's above 90 degrees and carrying a bunch of gear when its over 110 degrees, I think people can sacrifice a little to be fit. Problem is, it involves some hard work. It's easy to sit back and eat those Twinkies and wash it down with a Coke while you're watching TV . People just need to get some self motivation and get off their lazy butts. Eating healthy, drinking water, and exercising sound like a total life change for some people, but feeling good about yourself is something you can't replace.
Saying it's too hot to run is a horrible excuse. I used to make excuses all the time not to run or go to the gym. You just gotta get up and do it though. Even when you don't feel like it, once you start doing it you'll be fine.
I think if you want to live a healthy lifestyle you should try Ardyss! Ardyss is a direct health and wellness marketing company. We have body reshaping garments, skincare and nutrition. Our flagship product is the Body Magic a garment designed to give instant gratification. It supports the back by correcting posture and also puts the internal organs back in it's place. The garment was designed by a orthopedic surgeon and helps to loose weight with it's thermogenic fibers!
Not possible. How can americans be getting fatter if the illegals are draining all their resources? In order for them to accomplish this there must be a surplus of resources. What gives? Why doesn't this add up? Aren't the illegals taking their jobs? Aren't the illegals making it impossible for the americans to make a decent wage so they can support their family? If they can't even put food on the table, how are they getting so much more massive? Does the law of conservation of matter still apply? Fat doesn't come from nothing right? Am I wrong? Aren't illegals draining all of our health resources so the obese americans can't get the proper care in order to continue their obese lifestyle? Aren't the illegals taking the land so the obese americans don't have the proper support to sustain their obese lifestyle? Hmm. Somebody's lying.
One of the biggest problems in the south is our car dependence. We have no realistic mass transit here, and the cities are way too large to walk anywhere (look at Nashville for an example). The difference between walking to the bus stop, a couple of blocks over for lunch, or from the subway station to work, vs not walking further than from your front door to your car, is a huge difference.
I really believe that one of the primary reasons for the increase in obesity is unemployment. Someone said it in an earlier post: The South has always had heat, humidity, and lots of fried food covered in gravy. The difference is that a few years ago, people were working and active. Now so many people have given up any form of active job hunting so they sit on the couch, watch daytime TV and eat comfort food.
As for exercising in the South (I can say this since I'm from SC), if you are too damn lazy to walk outside and do something then for God's sake, 1) throw away any spandex or tight fitting clothes, and 2) buy Wii Fit. Then all you can stay inside, enjoy the A/C and still exercise. With the Wii, all you have to do is remove the sofa cushion from your butt.
What's interesting is that the poll question on the homepage indicates 41% of people think they are not overweight, when medical studies have shown only 1/3 of the population is not overweight. I guess a good 8% of clinically overweight people don't identify themselves as overweight.
If Americans get any fatter, we will have to take over Canada just to have a little elbow room.
none of this states has high percentage of latinos
None of these states have a high percentage of latinos!
WHAT DOES WEATHER HAVE TO DO WITH OBESITY?
IT'S LACK OF EXCERICE AND HEALTHY FOOD!!
AMERICANS DRIVE EVERYWHERE, RARELY WALKS, EAT FAST FOOD, DRINKS SODA MORE THAN WATER, LARGE PORTIONS, CHEAP FAST FOOD, CHEAP GAS.
The south also has exploding population so this is no shocker, just fat northerners moving south to combine with fat southerners
I am fat and ugly. I am a fat ugly piece of crap who weights 329 pounds. All through high-school and my early 20s I was a skinny runt. I got teased and beat up for that. Now I am the opposite. I got married and got fat. I haven’t stopped gaining weight since the day I got married. Now I am divorced and ugly. A fat ugly loser.
I grew up under a mother who would smash our heads into the plate if we didn’t finish every molecule of food on it. And she’d scream at us for being ungrateful brats while kids in Africa or China were starving to death (this was the ‘60s, man, when China was still poor). Now I still do the same thing – I feel compelled to finish absolutely every last molecular scrap of food right down to the Higgs-Boson particle level. Otherwise the guilt is overwhelming.
I hate myself and some nights wish I would die in my sleep. I am nearly 60 and have no retirement prospects and no pension to look forward to. The only thing I look forward to is going to sleep every night so I can disappear from reality in my dreams. I am fat and horribly ugly and find life intolerable every waking second of the day. I wonder constantly why God has done this to me.
Thank you.
are you kidding?
EM, Obesity is not your problem. Depression is. Please seek professional help for this.
You are focusing on only one area of who you are. I am sure that there are positive areas of your life that far out weigh your weight.
Yes, having parents like you did made things difficult. My parents were the same, eat everything on your plate or you will not be allowed to go out and play. Great idea right?
You are not the sum total of your weight. Ignore the jerks in here who give rediculous opinions without any real knowledge of the problem. Get help for the depression, it may just help with the weight problem and will definately give you more self esteem. good luck
I live in Alabama and am obese. I don't blame anyone or anything but myself. I don't exercise as I should or eat healthy. However, in today's society we are always on the go, eating from drive-thru's, or concession stands at sporting events. I grew up with a parent who would threaten my life if I wasn't outside playing on days with good weather. But today, there are so many children who are at home during their summer breaks and don't have a parent saying get outside and play. Children are often left with their televisions and video games for entertainment. So are we actually teaching our children to be healthy productive citizens or just to be couch potatoes?
The best way is to go vegetarian.
Another benefit of working out in the heat and humidity of Florida? You do get used to it, and then you don't want the air conditioning down so low – so you save money and energy by being very comfortable with the inside temp at 77 or 78.
fat people should pay more for insurance so healthy people don't have to subsidize their poor lifestyle choices
If this were real news the headline would read: "Southern states home to highest educated and most fit citizens in US"
Fat and illiterate people in the south... everyone already knows this