MIAMI BEACH, FL - JULY 18: Jeff Baughman unwraps his Double Quarterpounder with cheese and a Super Fries and a Super Coke on July 18, 2002 at a McDonalds in Miami Beach, Florida. The health effects of an American diet of super-sized fast foods are becoming apparent as increasing numbers of children and adults are being treated for obesity. Studies seem to point to the fact that many overweight children and adults get a large portion of their calories by consuming too many sodas and sweetened juices and beverages. Sweetened drinks + "super-sized" meals + the convenience of fast food + a decrease in physical activity = a recipe for obesity. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Newly released survey findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a partnership between the Centers For Disease Control and state health agencies, ranked states in America by obesity rates.
Obesity is defined as having a body mass index of 30 or more.
According to the study, West Virginia has the highest obesity rate, 41.3%. Oklahoma has the second-highest rate, 40.3%. Louisiana has the third-highest rate, 40.0%, followed by Mississippi, 39.7%.
Tennessee followed them at 39.1%, Ohio at 38%, Alabama and Indiana at 37.9%, Delaware at 37.8%, and Kentucky at 37.8%.
The disease costs taxpayers $173 billion annually and can lead to severe medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
According to the Harvard Chan School of Public Health, two of every three Americans are overweight or obese. Rates are higher among black, Hispanic and Mexican Americans than white Americans. If current trends continue, half of all Americans will be obese by 2030.
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