More than 60% of U.S. Adults Obese in 13 States by 2030, Report Says

More than 60% of the adult population in 13 U.S. states may be obese by 2030, if the obesity rate continues growing at its current pace, according to a report released yesterday by health advocates Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).

The report, titled “F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future 2012,” had more potential bad news. By 2030, 39 U.S. states could see obesity rates of above 50%, and all 50 U.S. states could measure obesity rates above 44%. The state on track to have the highest obesity rate is Mississippi, while Colorado ranks lowest.

The report also points out that if states reduce their residents’ body mass index by just 5%, they could significantly cut obesity-related healthcare costs that are otherwise sure to rise.

“This study shows us two futures for America’s health,” says Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, MD, president and CEO of the RWJF. “At every level of government, we must pursue policies that preserve health, prevent disease, and reduce healthcare costs. Nothing less is acceptable.”

TFAH and RWJF commissioned the analysis, which was conducted by the National Heart Forum and based on a peer-reviewed model published last year in The Lancet.