A new report from the Trust for American Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is making headlines—especially in the 23 states it calls out for increasing adult obesity rates. Entitled "F as in Fat," the document contains rankings of state obesity rates and reviews both federal and state policies aimed at reducing or preventing obesity. More scary stats from the report: Not a single state saw a decrease in adult obesity rates, and in 30 states, 30 percent or more of the children are obese or overweight.
Mississippi had the highest rate of adult obesity (32.5 percent), according to the report. Alabama (31.2 percent), West Virginia (31.1 percent) and Tennessee (30.2 percent) also had rates above 30 percent. Eight of the 10 states with the highest percentage of obesity—childhood and adult—are in the South. If you're looking for fitness, head west: Colorado has the lowest adult obesity rate at just under 19 percent.
To see how your state ranks or to read the entire report, visit the TFAH site. I was also interested to see how states are responding to these numbers. The report includes a supplement on legislative action (laws enacted between June 2008 and June 2009):
- In 19 states, requirements for school meals now exceed the nutrition standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
- 29 states now regulate other food sold in schools, such as in vending machines and at school stores.
- 19 states have passed legislation regarding farm-to-school programs, which can improve nutrition at schools as well as increase sales for farmers.
- 20 states have passed Body Mass Index (BMI) screening requirements in schools or legislation requiring weight-related assessments other than BMI.
- Nine states have Complete the Streets laws that mandate states to consider pedestrians and bicyclists when building, rebuilding, or renovating streets and surrounding areas.
- California, Maine, Massachusetts and Oregon now require some restaurants to post calorie information on menus.
- 30 states and the District of Columbia have imposed taxes on soda and snacks.
What do you think of these measures? Helpful, or too "nanny state" for your taste?