Report: NY Among Least Obese States

An analysis of obesity levels throughout the country shows New York is in good shape—at least compared to the rest of the country. The state ranks 42 in the nation with its 24.5 percent obesity rate, tying with Connecticut and Nevada.

Colorado has the lowest obesity levels at 20.7 percent, while Mississippi has the highest at 34.9 percent.

The analysis by the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation used information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to rank the states. Out of the 30 most obese states, 26 were in the South or Midwest.

“Obesity has contributed to a stunning rise in chronic disease rates and health care costs. It is one of the biggest health crises the country has ever faced,” said Jeffrey Levi, Ph. D., executive director of the Trust for America’s Health, in a statement.

According to the CDC, a person with a body mass index of 30 or more is considered obese.

New York's ranking was relatively low, however, according to statistics compiled by the state department of health—based on self-reported height and weight—60 percent of adults in New York State are either overweight or obese.  

The Westchester County Department of Health offers tools and tips on obesity prevention on its website. Westchester County also launched the Healthy Heart Program this year, and encourages childhood exercise through the Fit Kids Challenge.

Does New York's ranking surprise you? Did you expect it to be higher or lower?