Obesity Rates Skyrocket In 2008

In the past year America has seen its obesity rates get worse instead of better, despite all the TV and radio campaigns that speak of the health risks of being overweight.

Not a single U.S. state had a decrease in the past year. Sadly, obesity rates increased in 37 states according to the annual report from Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

What's even more sad is that over 25% of all adults are obese in 28 states. In 1991, not a single state had an obesity rate above 20%.

"Despite widespread acknowledgement that obesity is endangering the health of millions of Americans, the country is still failing to respond clearly or comprehensively," says Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The most obese state? That distinction goes to Mississippi at 31.7%; West Virginia (30.6%), Alabama (30.1), Louisiana (29.5%) and South Caroline (29.2%) follow behind.

Colorado is the slimmest (if you can call it that) at 18.4%.

It is now estimated that two-thirds (66%) of all Americans are either overweight or obese. That compares to only 15% in 1980.

Naturally, other health issues follow behind the increased obesity rates. Type 2 diabetes is up in 26 states across the nation. High blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, liver disease and others are also affected.

Despite a large increase in policies designed to support and promote physical activity and better nutrition in our communities, few of these policies are being implemented to make a difference.

"America's future depends on the health of our country. The obesity epidemics lowering our productivity and dramatically increasing our health care costs. Our analysis shows that we are not treating the obesity epidemic with the urgency it deserves," says Jeffrey Levi, executive director for Trust for America's Health.