MDH: Minnesota’s Obesity Rates Plummet In 2015; Remains Lowest In Midwest

The Utah Department of Health announced Thursday that the obesity rate in 2015 was 24.5 percent.

Minnesota was the only state in the region, which includes North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa, to succeed in keeping its obesity rates firmly below 30 percent.

Patrick Remington, a University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health professor, noted Wisconsin’s obesity rate technically has declined from previous year when it peaked at 31.2 percent.

The 13th annual report found that rates of obesity now exceed 35% in four states, are at or above 30% in 25 states and are above 20% in all states.

“Obesity remains one of the most significant epidemics our country has faced, contributing to millions of preventable illnesses and billions of dollars in avoidable healthcare costs”, stated Richard Hamburg, interim president and CEO, TFAH.

Only Kentucky and Kansas saw an increased rate of adult obesity.

“It’s only a very slight drop but it might be the time when we’re seeing some change, some progress in reducing rates of obesity”, Remington said.

“Minnesota’s obesity rate is markedly lower than our surrounding states and we were still able to achieve a greater decrease in 2015 than our neighboring states”, Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Ed Ehlinger said in a statement.

The self-reported data – some people could have understated their weight – was collected by the CDC as part of its Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Rates are highest among Latinos, men and people ages 45 to 64.

South Carolina’s ranking in adult obesity has slightly improved mainly because obesity in other states is becoming more of a problem.

Minnesota is also among states with the lowest rate of diabetes and hypertension.

This year’s report again included policy recommendations for addressing obesity covering investments in obesity prevention, early childhood policies and programs, and school-based and community-based policies and programs.

Since that time, Minnesota’s obesity rate held steady until it ticked up from 2013 to 2014 (from 25.5 percent to 27.6 percent).