Report: Michigan 10th fattest state

June 29, 2010
by Robin Erb
Detroit Free Press

Michigan continues to struggle with its weight problem, once again placing among the fattest states in the nation.

A report released today places Michigan and its adult obesity rate of 29.4% among the heftiest 12 states in the nation.

Michigan ranks 10th, but is tied with North Carolina, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future 2010.

Leading the list is Mississippi with an obesity rate of 33.8%. Alabama and Tennessee tie for second place at 31.6 %.

In fact, Michigan is the only state in the top tier that is not a southern state.

The report also found big disparities among sex and race. White men were the slimmest overall, with an obesity rate of 29.5 %, while 43.4% of black women were obese.

The report by the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation also looked at poverty as a factor.

“The high rates of obesity in the United States are evidence that making healthy choices and managing one’s weight are difficult for many people because there are many barriers to healthy living in America. Healthy foods are often more expensive and scarce in many neighborhoods, while cheap processed foods are widely available,” it reads.

Northeastern and western states continue to record the lowest rates of obesity. Colorado is the lowest with a 19.1% obesity rate among adults.

The report carries grim news for the nation as a whole, noting the long-term health problems associated with extra pounds. Thirty-eight states have adult obesity rates above 25%. In 1991, no state had an obesity rate above 20%.

View the full story (some sites require registration)