As much as we talk about hitting the gym and make resolutions to eat healthier, the truth is, a lot of Americans aren’t doing either and our waistlines show it. And we’re not just a few pounds overweight, according to the latest CDC data, more than one in three adults in most U.S. states is now obese.
The CDC research shows the obesity rates of each state and it’s not looking good for the South.
A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher indicates obesity in adults, and in some Southern states, the percentage of the population that’s considered obese is now over 40%.
- The highest obesity rates are concentrated in the South, but West Virginia tops the list, with 41.4% of adults classified as obese.
- Mississippi is a close second with 40.4%, and Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee all follow with rates of around 39%.
- Rising obesity rates are linked to increased healthcare costs and higher risks of conditions like diabetes, heart disease and some kinds of cancer.
- The West and Northeast show lower rates overall, but Colorado is a standout with the lowest obesity rate at 25%.
- Washington, D.C. is second with 25.5%, followed by Hawaii and Massachusetts, both at 27%, then New Jersey at 27.7%.
- Places with lower obesity rates have higher levels of outdoor recreation, and urban density and public health also contribute to keeping those numbers down.
The 10 States With The Highest Obesity Rates
- West Virginia 41.4%
- Mississippi 40.4%
- Louisiana 39.2%
- Tennessee 38.9%
- Alabama 38.9%
- Arkansas 38.9%
- Indiana 38.4%
- Kansas 37.6%
- Nebraska 37.6%
- Wisconsin 37.4%
Source: Visual Capitalist
Speaking of being fat... The Real Reason Americans Can’t Stop Ordering Takeout
Restaurant prices continue to climb, which has more Americans rethinking where they go for dinner. Some still stop to pick up a burrito or bowl on the way home, but it turns out, that has less to do with the cost or the food itself. What it really all comes down to is that we’re tired, according to new research.
A report from Morning Consult finds that the biggest motivator for fast-casual dining is actually exhaustion. Their data shows that 40% of trips to these restaurants happen because of simple fatigue. “Fast casual isn’t chosen for adventure,” the report shares. “It’s chosen for relief.”
- Americans also count on fast-casual dining for quick lunches on work breaks, casual meals with friends and to refuel on road-trip stops.
- The report finds that 58% of fast-casual customers are Gen Z or millennials, and they don’t want to be bothered with having to figure out what to make for dinner.
- In general, fast-casual diners tend to be more optimistic than the rest of the population, but the biggest driver for them with these meals now is not having to make decisions.
- After exhaustion, 35% say they just want food that’s affordable and filling.
- And a third enjoy the convenience of picking up something during their commute home from work.
- Almost 40% of fast-casual diners are parents, who are already busy juggling their life and schedule, as well as their kids’.
- When we’re too tired to cook, Five Guys and Raising Cane’s are top choices for takeout.
- Panda Express is number one for those looking for an affordable, yet filling meal.
- And those just picking up dinner on the way home are most likely to stop at Raising Cane’s or Panda Express.
Scott's Thoughts:
- Based on what I see at the grocery checkout line, it’s surprising these numbers aren’t higher!
- I would think it is coming down with cheaper GLP-1 Meds.
- Amazing that West Virginia is number one and Virginia didn't make the top 10!