Based on a measure of obesity of body mass index of 30 or higher, 35.5 percent of women and 32.2 percent of men were clinically obese as of February, 2010. Of those Americans, 5.7 percent were extremely obese. Only approximately one-third of Americans are at normal weight or underweight. The implications are far-reaching as exercise and dietary habits are passed down from parent to child and as Baby Boomers age.
Most Obese States
Mississippi was the most obese state in the United States at the end of 2009, followed by Louisiana. In 33 states, at least one quarter of the population was obese and in 11 others, more than 30 percent of the population had a BMI of 30 or more. The rate has risen dramatically since 1991, when no state recorded obesity rates in excess of 20 percent of the population. The least obese states at the close of 2009 were Colorado and Washington, D.C., the only two remaining states to record an obesity rate of less than 20 percent.
Obesity by Ethnic Group
Although obesity rates are rising across all ethnic groups, statistically, African Americans are the most overweight group in America, followed by Hispanics, then whites. Black individuals are 51 percent more likely to be obese than their Caucasian counterparts, and Hispanics are 21 percent more likely. Native Americans and Alaskan natives have a 32.4 percent rate of obesity, while Asian Americans have the lowest rate, only 8.9 percent.
Obese Children
Thirty percent of children in 30 states were obese as of July 2009. Mississippi also had the most overweight children in the age group of 10 to 17, with 44.4 percent of their youngsters, almost half, being obese. According to the Trust for America's Health, the obesity rates of this age group across all states tripled since 1980.
Impact of the Economy
When the economy experiences a recession, America tends to gain weight. Processed and fast foods are less expensive than nutritious foods, and tighter budgets may result in families eating poorly in terms of health and weight maintenance. Lean times also impact rates of depression and stress, and a common response to these emotions for many people is to eat.
Implications
The nation's obesity takes a heavy toll on Medicaid and Medicare programs as it results in increased rates of mortality from all causes. As of February 2010, Medicare paid out an additional $1,723 per person for those with a BMI of 30 or higher, while Medicaid paid out an additional $1,021 per person.
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