Midwest Highest Obesity Rates in Nation
By: Rae Patterson
Updated: March 8, 2013
JOPLIN, MO.--- People in the Midwest and southern states have the highest obesity rates in the nation. According to a study from "Gallup-Healthways Well-Being" the national obesity rate is 26.2 %, while most southern and Midwest states are 26% or higher. Kansas obesity rate is higher than 26%, Missouri's is higher than 27%, Oklahoma is higher than 29%, and Arkansas is higher than 31%.
The high rates have health advisers questioning why the numbers are lower in other parts of the country. Freeman Rehab and Sports Medicine Director Mick Ward says it's because of the surroundings, people in the north and the west have year round activities, unlike many Midwestern and southern states.
"You need to do something to be heart healthy, on a regular basis. That means 30 to 60 minutes a day, 4 to 5 days a week or more. There's a pretty strong correlate to those people that are healthier than others," said Mick Ward, Freeman Rehab & Sports Medicine Director.
He adds you have to make time for yourself and choose year round activities to keep yourself motivated and moving.
The high rates have health advisers questioning why the numbers are lower in other parts of the country. Freeman Rehab and Sports Medicine Director Mick Ward says it's because of the surroundings, people in the north and the west have year round activities, unlike many Midwestern and southern states.
"You need to do something to be heart healthy, on a regular basis. That means 30 to 60 minutes a day, 4 to 5 days a week or more. There's a pretty strong correlate to those people that are healthier than others," said Mick Ward, Freeman Rehab & Sports Medicine Director.
He adds you have to make time for yourself and choose year round activities to keep yourself motivated and moving.
