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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah has the fifth lowest rate of obesity in the U.S., according to a new report.
However, the rate for obesity in Utah has steadily increased in recent years, according to the annual State of Obesity report released in September. The obesity rate for adults was 24.1 percent in 2013, compared to 19.6 percent in 2004 and 9 percent in 1990.
Researchers used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to analyze obesity rates in each state and create a map. Mississippi and West Virginia had the highest rates of obesity, tied at 35.1 percent, according to the report. Colorado had the lowest rate at 21.3 percent.
Overall, the obesity rates in six states significantly increased in 2013, making it so 20 states have an obesity rate of at least 30 percent, according to the report. The South and Midwest are home to the 10 states with the highest rates of obesity.
Researchers are saying there's no single solution or cause, but they acknowledge that quality and quantity of food people consume has made a difference, along with decreased exercise habits, Jeffrey Levi, Ph.D. told the Huffington Post.
Laura Klarman from Intermountain Healthcare said a daily commitment to weight loss has been key for her. She lost close to 40 pounds while participating in the company's Live Well initiative.
"I started eating right, getting on a nutrition program and started exercising," Klarman said. "These are the answers that are sexy and exciting, but that's what works."
An interactive map of obesity rates for each state can be found on the State of Obesity website.
Contributing: Andrew Adams
