Colorado Loses “Least Obese” Title

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January-December 2013; Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index
Credit Gallup
January-December 2013; Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index

Colorado is no longer the least obese state in the country, according to a new Gallup poll released yesterday. KUNC’s Luke Runyon reports. 

Since 2010 Colorado has consistently topped lists as having the slimmest population in the country. Not anymore. Montana has usurped the title, where 19.6% of the population is obese, compared to Colorado’s 20.4, putting the Centennial State in second place. Mississippi has the highest level, at 35 percent.

Colorado is still well below the national average, which has been steadily rising since the mid-2000s.

Obesity can exacerbate significant health problems. Those living in the 10 most obese states are more likely to report a diagnosis of chronic disease at some point in their lives, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.