A new list ranking the most overweight and obese states has the South coming out on top, dominating with the top seven spots...
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West Virginia came in first place, per the new WalletHub list. Nearly three out of four adults (ages 20 and older) in the Appalachian state tip the scales, with 42% designated as obese and 32% classified as overweight. Unsurprisingly, West Virginia also boasts the highest rates of type 2 diabetes in the United States.
The outlet also claims West Virginia's expanding waistlines are a major drain on the state's economy. WalletHub estimates that as much as $58 million per year is spent on healthcare related to the state's weight-related health issues.
WalletHub also offered a few explanations for why the state topped the list. The outlet noted that the state has the "second-fewest fitness centers per capita." Meanwhile, the outlet also claims the state's most popular comfort food is pepperoni rolls, with each delightful serving clocking in at a staggering 250 calories...
The Six Other Southern States Weighing at the Top of the List...
Coming in second place is Mississippi, with the Southern state claiming that 40.6% of adults are obese and 31.9% are overweight. Mississippi's favorite comfort food, according to the outlet, is mud pie. The decadent dessert has a gut-busting calorie count of 510 per serving.
The third-place winner, Arkansas, clocked in with 39.5% of adults obese and 34% overweight. Arkansas might have the most authentic comfort food on the list with Southern fried catfish. The dish is 439 calories per serving (and totally worth it).
Meanwhile, the fourth and fifth spots were taken by Louisiana and Alabama, with Tennessee and Kentucky closing in on the sixth and seventh spots.
Maine, essentially an honorary Southern state, is the first state in Yankeedom to make the list of America's most obese places. Delaware and Texas round out the top ten.
The study ranked 51 places, including Washington, DC. It measured 31 factors, including obesity rates, projected diabetes cases, and sugary-drink consumption. It also measured each state's access to healthy foods.
For the record, Colorado ranked as the slimmest state, with Utah, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Minnesota coming in close behind.
