A recent report shows that adult obesity rates rose in 28 states during the past year and now exceed 25 percent in more than two-thirds of the states! Furthermore, while 4 states last year had obesity rates over 30 percent (Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, West Virginia), 8 states now have that distinction (4 previously mentioned states plus Louisiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Arkansas).

This report, F is in Fat 2010: How the Obesity Crisis Threatens America's Future published by Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) this week, shows that while steps have been taken to address the obesity crisis in recent years the effort is not nearly enough to address the problem. The report recommends ensuring that the disease-prevention measures in the new health reform law are implemented strategically to help prevent and reduce obesity, expanding the commitment to community-based prevention programs, and sustaining investments in research and evaluation around obesity.

Other interesting findings from the report include:

  • In 1991, no state had an obesity rate above 20 percent.
  • Only the District of Columbia experienced a decline in adult obesity rates during the past year.
  • Adult obesity rates for Blacks and Latinos are higher than those for Whites in at least 40 states and the District of Columbia.
  • Eight states, plus the District of Columbia, have childhood obesity rates greater than 20 percent: Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas.
  • Every state has some form of physical education requirement for schools, but these requirements are often limited, not enforced or do not meet adequate quality standards.

How does your state rate (see interactive map)? If you print the report's Executive Summary you can see detailed information on your state including 2010 obesity-related standards in schools (e.g., whether your state has nutritional standards for school lunches, breakfasts and snacks that are stricter than U.S. Department of Agriculture requirements or collects Body Mass Index or other health information from students).