Illinois Has 20 to 29 Percent Obesity Rate

Illinois has a 20 to 29 percent rate of obesity, but nine other states had a heavier amount.

According to a CDC report, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Virginia had greater than or equal to 30 percent obesity ratings. However, there was no state in 2000 that had a 30 percent or higher ranking so America is getting bigger.

Midwestern residents were almost even with southern residents at 28.2 percent versus 28.4 percent. Non-Hispanic African-American women had the highest obesity rate, according to the study, with a calculation of 41.9 percent.

CDC donated $139 million to all 50 states and $373 million to 30 communities to help reverse the obesity epidemic, and First Lady Michelle Obama is helping to fight against childhood obesity.

Adults are considered obese if their body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher. CDC's BMI calculator is a way to detect where each person stands comparing body weight to height. If an obese person loses at least 10 percent of their current weight, it could lower the risk for heart disease.

Obesity may also lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or low cholesterol. While diet drinks and temporary diet habits may make a person lose weight quickly, it doesn't keep the weight off. Making a permanent change in dietary habits and physical activity is a more successful way to take weight off and keep it off.

Additional Notes: This entry was published by the Chicago News & Events Examiner.