Fattest State in America 2012: Which States Finished In The Top 3?
For the sixth straight year, Mississippi is the fattest state in America, with a 35 percent Body Mass Index. Louisiana (33.4 percent) and West Virginia (32.4 percent) finished second and third respectively, according to data from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.
Having been associated with health concerns in the past, it is of no shock to learn that the Magnolia state is also the leader in cancer rates, diabetes and heart disease on the "too fat" list for 2012.
It was also reported that roughly 26 out of 30 states with the highest level of obesity and BMI rates come out of the South and Midwest along the Gulf Coast region.
Jeffrey Levi, executive director of the non-profit health organization Trust for America's Health, had the following to say regarding the concern for obesity, according to the Examiner:
"It is one of the biggest health crises the country has ever faced. The good news is that we have a growing body of evidence and approaches that we know can help reduce obesity, improve nutrition and increase physical activity based on making healthier choices easier for Americans. The bad news is we're not investing anywhere near what we need to in order to bend the obesity curve and see the returns in terms of health and savings."
Colorado was said to be the fittest state in 2012 with only a 20.7 percent BMI for its natives. Already known for its relatively healthy-eating residents and way of life, Colorado has embraced anti-obesity campaigns by using their natural mountainous terrain and winter activities to its advantage.