California’s obesity rates inch up slightly, but still ranks better than most

On the one hand, D.C.is performing better than most states in the USA , with an obesity rate of 21.7 percent.

Experts say that while they would prefer the numbers to decrease, they’re glad obesity rates aren’t getting worse.

The situation is a little better here in Oregon, as the obesity rate is 28 percent and ranks 34th in the nation.

Obesity rates remained high, ranging from 20 percent to 30 percent of adults in most states, but Ohio was one of only five states in which obesity rates increased, including Kansas, Minnesota, New Mexico and Utah, the report found. Across the South and Midwest, where the obesity crisis is most severe (Arkansas, West Virginia, and Mississippi topped the scales in this year’s report), rates of hypertension and diabetes climbed past record highs.

Rates are at least 30% in forty-two states for African Americans, thirty states for Latinos and only thirteen states for whites.

American Indian/Alaska Natives have the highest adult obesity rate, 54 percent, of any racial or ethnic group. The highest was Arkansas, which exceeded 35 percent.

New Jersey’s rate ticked up slightly from the prior year, but, along with the rest of the nation, has skyrocketed over the past couple decades. “And we also see significant in those who have less than a high school education, compared to those with a college education. and these are disparities that have been consistent across the country” And while the rates for childhood obesity have leveled off in recent years, Ohio still scores poorly.

No state had an adult obesity rate below 20 percent. Around 5 percent of children are already severely obese by the ages of 6 to 11.

Prevention among children is key. Small changes that make it easier and more affordable to buy healthy foods and beverages and be physically active can lead to big differences.

Montgomery County has implemented a range of nontraditional policies and programs to encourage people to choose healthier lifestyles, including the GetUp initiative designed to get kids moving to help fight obesity at an early age.