12 states now have high obesity; Mississippi No. 1 - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

12 states now have high obesity; Mississippi No. 1

By MIKE STOBBE
AP Medical Writer

ATLANTA (AP) - A new government survey shows 12 states now have very high obesity rates.

Overall, more than a third of adults are obese but rates vary by state. The latest figures are based on a 2011 telephone survey that asked adults their height and weight. For the first time, households with only cell phones were included.

State rates remained about the same although states with very high rates went from nine to 12. At least 30% of adults are obese in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia.

Colorado was lowest, at just under 21%, and Mississippi was highest at nearly 36%.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the figures Monday.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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