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New Obesity rates target Mississippi and Louisiana

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WASHINGTON, D.C., (KNOE 8 News) - A new government survey shows 12 states now have very high obesity rates. Number one on the list is Mississippi, and Louisiana comes in second.

Overall, more than a third of adults are obese but rates vary by state. The latest figures are based on a 2011 telephone survey that asked adults their height and weight. For the first time, households with only cell phones were included.

State rates remained about the same although states with very high rates went from nine to 12. At least 30 percent of adults are obese in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia.

Mississippi was highest at nearly 36 percent, with Louisiana running a close second at just under 34 percent, just slightly higher than the national rate of 33.3 percent.

Colorado was lowest, at just under 21 percent. 

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