HAS WEST VIRGINIA GOT THE FATTEST CITIZENS IN THE USA?

(07/09/2011)

One in three West Virginians is obese, compared with one in four nationwide, according to the consumer non-profit Trust for America's Health. West Virginia is either first in obesity, or third worst among the states, depending on which study you follow. Earlier this year, West Virginia was the nation's most-obese in the Gallup-Healthways Poll, with an obesity rate of 33.5 percent. "The point is, we've clearly got a huge problem. What matters is that we do something about it," said Perry Bryant, director of West Virginians for Affordable Health Care. "This is a true public-health emergency that can't be solved in the doctor's office," Bryant said. West Virginia has the nation's third-oldest population, with the nation's highest diabetes rate at 17.4 percent. The report did praise West Virginia's efforts in limiting fattening foods in schools, but criticized the state's lack of physical education in schools. More than 33 percent of adults who earn less than $15,000 per year are obese, the report said, compared to 24.6 percent of those who make more than $50,000.

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