Minnesota was one of only five states to see an increase in adult obesity in 2014, according to a new report by Trust for America’s Health.
Minnesota’s adult obesity rate increased 2.1 percent to 27.6 percent last year, which was the second highest percentage increase behind Ohio, which saw a 2.2 percent increase. Those two states along with Kansas, New Mexico and Utah were the five states to see an increase is adult obesity in 2014.
Although the numbers look concerning, it’s not all that bad here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Despite the increase, Minnesota had the 15th lowest adult obesity rate in the nation last year. The state has taken on several public health measures in the last decade to combat obesity, like adding walking paths and investing in farmers markets, so state officials were disappointed in the increase.
“[Our goal was to] make the healthy choice the easy choice,” said Minnesota Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger.
According to Minnesota’s Statewide Health Improvement Program, the state has spent nearly $100 million on public health projects since 2009 aimed at getting people to eat better, give up smoking and get more physical activity. A state report suggests the intervention techniques have been successful, saving the state an estimated $265 million in reduced medical costs between 2010 and 2013.
“If we had not implemented SHIP, if we had followed the course we were on in 2008, we would be near the top of the list in terms of being bad on obesity,” Ehlinger said.
The Best and The Worst
A closer look at the report reveals which states have the highest and lowest rates of adult obesity. Here’s a look at the best and worst of the bunch.
The Healthiest States
1. Colorado (21.3%)
2. Washington D.C. (21.7%)
3. Hawaii (22.1%)
4. Massachusetts (23.3%)
5. California (24.7%)
The Most Unhealthy States
1. Arkansas (35.9%)
2. West Virginia (35.7%)
3. Mississippi (35.5%)
4. Louisiana (34.9%)
5. Alabama (33.5%)
For more information on the adult obesity index, check out the full report here.
