Southern States Lead Nation’s Obesity Ranking

West Virginia topped a WalletHub ranking of the states and Washington, D.C., for overweight and obesity, with Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky following. The study compared 31 measures, including adult obesity and overweight rates, sugary-drink consumption and access to healthy food.

In West Virginia, 42% of adults were classified as obese and nearly 32% as overweight but not obese. Mississippi had the second-highest ranking, with 40.6% of adults obese and 31.9% overweight. Arkansas followed, with obesity at 39.5% and overweight at 34%.

The ranking placed Maine eighth, Delaware ninth and Texas tenth. Colorado had the lowest obesity percentage and ranked as the least overweight state overall; Utah, Massachusetts, Hawaii and Minnesota followed. New York ranked 37th and New Jersey 41st.

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo pointed to West Virginia’s adolescent sugary-drink consumption, limited proximity to healthy food retailers and low number of fitness centers as factors in its ranking. The state also has high rates of type 2 diabetes and other health conditions associated with obesity. The report estimated annual obesity-related health costs of $58 million in West Virginia and $56 million in Mississippi.

Lynn University professor Andrew Burnstine advised people to check blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, set achievable goals and avoid trying to lose weight too quickly. Southeast Missouri State University instructor Scott Thorne urged people to discuss weight-loss plans with a doctor rather than rely on online advice. The findings were released during National Diabetes Month in November.