The Fattest U.S. States: The Link Between Obesity and Household Income

A comparison between the Fattest U.S. States and the Poorest U.S. States suggests a link between obesity and household income. Obesity continues to be one of the most common-- and detrimental--health problems in America. According to CalorieLab, Inc., obesity is defined as a BMI of 30.0 or over, overweight as a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9. Childhood obesity has become the go-to health concern many Celebrities choose to support, and has led to organizations such as The Campaign to End Obesity and the Let's Move initiative sponsored by First Lady Michelle Obama.

CalorieLab, Inc., conducted a survey of the Fattest and Thinnest U.S. States, and published the results as the "United States of Obesity 2008" map. View the 2008 version of the obesity map here. The ten "fattest States" were posted as follows in order of lowest rank (and highest obesity):

• Mississippi at 31.6% Obesity

• West Virginia at 30.6% Obesity

• Alabama at 30.1% Obesity

• Louisiana at 29.5% Obesity

• South Carolina at 29.2% Obesity

• Tennessee at 29.0% Obesity

• Kentucky at 28.7% Obesity

• Oklahoma at 28.1% Obesity

• Arkansas at 29.3% Obesity

• Michigan at 27.7% Obesity

While these States might seem unrelated at first glance, one theme which runs heavily through each of the ten "Fattest States" is their traditional connection to southern or comfort-food cuisine. Having lived in Michigan for two years, I know that many residents of Michigan-and the Midwest as a whole-also enjoy the homestyle and country method of cooking. This often includes lots of butter, pan or deep fried dishes, sour cream and fatty meats. While delicious, those recipes on a weekly or even daily menu plan can quickly add a staggering amount of calories.

One article, which will not be cited due to the highly offensive and derogatory language used-"fat people" do remain one of the most socially acceptable people to blatantly insult, after all-listed examples of typical recipes found in the above-mentioned 10 U.S. States. The "local" versions of these dishes often included whole milk, whipping cream, sugar, butter or brown sugar. While perfectly acceptable recipe components, a diet planned entirely around such calorie-rich foods is an obvious part of the obesity epidemic.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the cost of "healthy" food. As anyone who has endeavored to follow a healthy diet plan can tell you, the price comparison between stocking a pantry and refrigerator full of "healthy" and fresh food-or pre-package, processed alternatives-is staggering. Picking up a can of chili, which is full of excess sodium, fat and calories, is considerably more affordable for low or medium income families than the fresh food required by a from-scratch recipe. Unfortunately, for many families, the choice is simple: stock the pantry cheap, or stock the pantry healthy.

To further illustrate this argument, consider the article by Les Christie with CNN Money "The richest (and poorest) places in the U.S." According to CNN's findings, which compared the median household incomes of the 50 U.S. States provided by the Census Bureau, the ten "Poorest" States were as follows:

• New Mexico at $40,629

• Montana at $40,627

• Tennessee at $40,315

• Kentucky at $39,372

• Louisiana at $39,337

• Alabama at$38,783

• Oklahoma at $38,770

• Arkansas at $36,599

• West Virginia at $35,059

• Mississippi at $34,473

Does something about this list look familiar? Eight U.S. States match between the two lists, providing indisputable proof that a connection between obesity and household income exists. Then again, a comparison of available food products at your local grocery store should be proof enough-I dare anyone who questions the connection between the two to attempt a "healthy food" and "cheap food" shopping comparison, and see which shopping cart has more food for the same budget.

While income is not the only cause of the obesity problem in America, it certainly is one hurdle families must overcome to lead a healthy lifestyle. At the end of the day, even a chronic dieter has to admit the truth: a healthy weight is often as simple as calories consumed in proportion to exercise, which is why the numerous campaigns encouraging people to get off the couch and go outside continue to have such enthusiastic support.

Sources:

CalorieLab, Inc., "Fattest States 2008: The CalorieLab United States of Obesity Rankings,"

Les Christie, "The richest (and poorest) places in the U.S.," CNN Money