Illinois Ranked Fourth Worst State For Juvenile Obesity
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Land of Lincoln is becoming the land of the large.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Nancy Harty reports, Illinois ranks 23rd in obesity overall. But Rich Hamburg, deputy director of the nonprofit, Trust for America's Health, says the rate is much worse for the younger set.
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"The rates among kids; among teens are disturbing," he said. "Illinois comes in at fourth."
The adult obesity rate in Illinois is about 28 percent. It is higher among African-Americans and Latinos.
Hamburg says while obesity is more common, the standard is still a body mass index of 30 and above.
"The scale hasn't changed," he said. "The numbers certainly have."
Also on the way up are the state's diabetes and hypertension rates.
Hamburg says $1 billion next year for community education aims to fight childhood obesity and lower health care costs.
