F as in Fat: Top 15 fattest U.S. states
America gets an F for Fat - not Fitness - according to a new obesity report from Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The report reveals the nation's gut growth over the past few decades, showing a dramatic rise in the obesity epidemic. Twenty years ago, no state had an obesity rate over 15 percent - today, more than two thirds have obesity rates over 25 percent. Four years ago, only one state had a 30 percent obesity rate - now there are 12.
What's the problem? Not just being fat, that's for sure. Obesity is linked to severe health problems, including diabetes and high blood pressure - rates of both have also risen dramatically.
Which states are most in trouble? Keep clicking to see the 15 fattest...
15. Indiana
Indiana kicks off the list of top 15 fattest states. According to TFAH, the state also has a low rate of breastfed children - which is linked to low rates of obesity - partially explaining the Hoosier State's heavy standing.
Percent obese: 29.1
14. North Carolina
North Carolinians' growing bellies are wreaking havoc on its citizens' blood pressure. Since 1995, the state's hypertension rates shot up 11 percent - tied for second most in the country.
Percent obese: 29.4
13. Ohio
Ohio not only makes the list of fattest states, it's also in the top 10 for diabetes - a disease linked to obesity and inactivity.
Percent obese: 29.6
12. Texas
The second largest state in area and population, Texas also has large residents, with its adult obesity rates rising for the second year in a row.
Percent obese: 30.1
11. Missouri
In case the Show-Me state needs to see proof of its own obesity - TFAH's report reveals Missouri had one of the highest rates of physical inactivity, a likely cause for its fat residents.
Percent obese: 30.3
10. Michigan
The Wolverine State was the only state to make the top 10 list of most obese that's not in the South.
Percent obese: 30.5
9. Arkansas
What's going on in Arkansas? Since 1995, its number of obese citizens shot up over 80 percent. The state seems to fit in with a Southern trend of high diabetes rates, as it's a member of the "diabetes belt," according to TFAH.
Percent obese: 30.6
8. South Carolina
South Carolina's citizens are fatter than their northern counterpart. The state also ranks in the top ten in diabetes and hypertension rates.
Percent obese: 30.9
7. Oklahoma
Oklahoma showed the greatest increase in obesity rate - an additional 18.5 percent over the past two decades, more than any other state. The report also showed that Oklahomans ranked the lowest out of people that eat their recommended amounts of fruits and veggies. Looks like a diet change is in order?
Percent obese: 31.4
6. Kentucky
Kentucky is number six on the fattest cities list with a bullet - the state's obesity rates have increased the past two years. The state also ranks third in the list of most obese kids, ages 10 to 17.
Percent obese: 31.5
5. Louisiana
All that creamy creole cooking is packing on the pounds for Louisiana's citizens. Not surprisingly, the state also boasts high diabetes rates - 4th most in the country.
Percent obese: 31.6
4. Tennessee
Tennessee's obesity rate is the third-fastest growing in the country. Health officials are trying to stop the trend by requiring students to participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
Percent obese: 31.9
3. West Virginia
Home to nation's fattest city,Huntingdon, West Virginia comes in as the third fattest state. Ranked number two in physical inactivity, the Mountain State needs more of its citizens enjoying the great outdoors.
Percent obese: 32.2
2. Alabama
Alabama comes in second on the fattest states list, and judging from the increase in its citizen's health problems, it might not be too far behind first. Alabama has the most diabetics in the county, with a more than seven percent increase since 1995, the most of any state. Alabamans also showed the largest increase in hypertension rates in the country.
Percent obese:32.3
1. Mississippi
For the seventh year in a row, Mississippi has earned the distinction of fattest state. In 1995, the state had the highest obesity rate at 19.4 percent - still lower than the lowest rate today. Mississippi also scored the lowest in daily activity, and second worst in fruit and veggie intake.
Percent obese: 34.4