Breakdown of obesity rates by state

WASHINGTON — A new study indicates 12 states have an obesity rate higher than 30 percent.

Mississippi had the highest rate of obesity at 34.9 percent, while Colorado had the lowest rate at 20.7 percent. Twenty-six of the 30 states with the highest obesity rates are in the Midwest and the South. Illinois is ranked 29th with a 27.1 percent obesity rate.

The study comes from the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Trust for America’s Health Executive Director Jeffrey Levi says there’s a growing body of knowledge that makes healthier choices easier for Americans. However, he says very little is being invested in reducing obesity.

In 2006, obesity-related medical costs totaled $147 billion, or nearly 10 percent of total medical spending.