America's Obesity Epidemic: See Where Pennsylvania Ranks

PENNSYLVANIA - A new study ranks Pennsylvania in the middle of the 50 states when it comes to the percentage of people who are dangerously obese or have weight-related health problems.

Trust for America's Health found that about one in three Americans of all ages, more than 100 million people, have obesity. In the report, obesity is defined as having a body mass index of 30 or greater.

Trust for America's Health found that a historically high nine states had adult obesity rates at or above 35 percent in 2018: Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky,Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota and West Virginia.

“These latest data shout that our national obesity crisis is getting worse,” John Auerbach, president and CEO of Trust for America’s Health, said in a statement. “They tell us that almost 50
years into the upward curve of obesity rates we haven’t yet found the right mix of programs to stop the epidemic. "

Auerbach said that Isolated programs and calls for lifestyle changes aren’t enough.

"Fundamental changes that are needed in the social and economic conditions that make it challenging for people to eat healthy foods and get sufficient exercise," he said.

Trust for America's Health found that a historically high nine states had adult obesity rates at or above 35 percent in 2018: Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota and West Virginia.

The study ranked Pennsylvania tied for 25th among the 50 states with an adult obesity rate of 30.9 percent. Other findings related to Pennsylvania:

• 65.9 percent of adults are either obese or overweight, tied for 29th.

• 11.4 percent have diabetes, tied for 22nd.

• 24.1 percent are physically inactive, 22nd.

• 32.6 percent have hypertension, tied for 21st.

The organization's findings were based in part on new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. To see the full report, click on the link.