(Meredith) – A new study recently released by WalletHub tackled an issue that hits close to home for most, if not all, Americans: weight.
According to their study, the United States spends about $200 billion in annual health care costs related to obesity.
In fact, the Physical Activity Council said 81.5 million Americans ages six and older were completely inactive in 2016, which is the leading cause of obesity. Other contributing factors to obesity are emotional instability, sleeplessness, and genetics.
However, the study found that these kinds of factors are more prevalent in some states compared to others.
Wallet Hub’s “Fattest Cities” report was released to spread awareness about diabetes and obesity.
Top Ten Most Obese States
- Mississippi
- West Virginia
- Tennessee
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- Kentucky
- Alabama
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Indiana
Top Ten Least Obese States
- Colorado
- Massachusetts
- Utah
- Hawaii
- Montana
- Connecticut
- New Jersey
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- Oregon
The following chart displays the most and least obese states in America.
[Mobile Users Click Here To See The Map]
Ask the Experts
Wallet Hub asked health professionals their thoughts and opinions on the obesity epidemic in America and any tips they might have.
Reyna Franco, a consultant with New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, said one of the best ways to eat healthy without breaking the bank is to buy in bulk. She recommends buying foods like whole grains, including oats, brown rice and quinoa.
She also recommends planning meals in advance and only buy the food you need for that meal. No extra.
Nancy Z. Farrell, a registered dietitian Nutritionist at Farrell Dietitian Services, said people who are trying to lose weight often make these big mistakes:
- Skipping meals
- Only eating perceieved diet foods
- Telling others they are on a diet.
She recommends having a more balanced diet.
Want more advice from more experts? Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.
How Wallet Hub found their results
In order to discover which states were the most obese, Wallet Hub compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia against one another with the following criteria:
- Obesity and Overweight Prevalence
- Health Consequences
- Food and Fitness
They used 19 relevant metrics and graded each state on a 100-point scale. Click here to view their methodology in more detail.
A new study recently released by WalletHub tackled an issue that hits close to home for most, if not all, Americans: weight.
