W.Va. is Nation's 2nd Fattest State, Report Says
W.Va. is Nation's 2nd Fattest State, Report Says Save Email Print
Posted: 12:04 PM Aug 19, 2008
 Last Updated: 12:04 PM Aug 19, 2008
 Reporter: Associated Press
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JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - A new report says Mississippi again is America's fattest state, and adult obesity rates across the nation are on a steady climb.

Nationally, adult obesity rates rose in 37 states in the past year. That's according to the report released Tuesday by Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The report said no state saw a decrease.

The report said Mississippi's adult obesity rate is 31.7 percent - the highest in the nation. It was followed by West Virginia with 30.6 percent; Alabama with 30.1 percent; Louisiana with 29.5 percent and South Carolina with 29.2 percent.

Kentucky is ranked 7th at 28.4 percent; Ohio is 17th at 26.9 percent.

Pete Smith, spokesman for Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, said the state has taken steps to encourage residents to live a healthier lifestyle.
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Posted by: BillB on Aug 25, 2008 at 06:25 AM
To Glenng 8/24 at 9:05 am:I guess you are saying it's soneone's else fault we we eat to large portions. I have eaten chickens and cows for 60yrs. and I am not fat.
Posted by: Glennq on Aug 24, 2008 at 09:05 AM
I'm appalled at some of the stupidity on this site. No one put hormones to make chickens, cows or anything else fatter 20 years ago. They also didn't serve such large portions in that time. Oh, but we shouldn't blame anyone but ourselves. I think some of you need a little growing up. I see that some of you stay pretty safe at night while someone else fights your battles too. But, don't blame anyone else but yourself for that either. West Virginia isn't to blame... even if you intake less and exercise 24 hours a day... studies clearly show the hormones packaged in your meats affect your body. We also have enough in our water all courtesy of plastics and drug manufacturers. I guess the point of all this shows that there's a good many on this blog that can't read... and that is the real shame.
Posted by: hank on Aug 23, 2008 at 10:25 PM
come now people i can see why so many people are over weight its food stamps dont get me wrong there isnt a thing wrong with getting i wish we could get them but i was at the grocery store a couple days ago a woman had a cart full of three 24 count pop 10 frozen pizzas about about 15 little stackers pizza ,bolonga potato chips not one thing of vegs. or milk i think the gov. should cut junk food out and guess what the woman was about 5 ft. 6in weight close to 250 lbs. now you wonder how america get their weight from the federal gov.
Posted by: BillB on Aug 22, 2008 at 12:08 PM
to Betty Crocker:I think I am lucky to live in a country where the poor people are fat. [Look at India.]I hate that Georg e Bush causes you to eat food that isn't good fore you. Now to P you off even more I like big companies and rich people. I never did have a job working fore a poor man.
Posted by: Ashley on Aug 22, 2008 at 08:54 AM
To D>> Actually, Michelle is well within normal weight for her height. Check a BMI calculator. Thanks to your distorted view (brought to you by the media) on proper weight, you don't know when someone is a "healthy" weight vs. an "unhealthy" weight. It seems there is no middle ground here. Someone like you claims 135 and 5'3" is fat and chunky and Mandy claims fat is fun. There is a happy medium somewhere in there. Please educate yourself!
Posted by: D on Aug 21, 2008 at 02:30 PM
NF, unless Michelle is athletic and muscular 5'3" and 135 is a little chunky, I'm 5'5" and several pounds weigh less than her, and normally wouldn't even comment, but since she seems to feel superior for not being obese, I had to point out to her she's a little heavy.
Posted by: NF on Aug 21, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Hey Michelle, I'm 5'10 185lbs want to meet up.
Posted by: Charleston on Aug 21, 2008 at 01:08 PM
All this typing is making me hungry, lets go get a double cheeseburger and then blame it on someone else.
Posted by: Philip on Aug 21, 2008 at 11:59 AM
when a West Virginian has their blood drawn............gravy comes out
Posted by: Ashley on Aug 21, 2008 at 11:05 AM
To Mandy>> The problem I have with obesity is that parents pass it on to their children by not encouraging physical activity and healthy eating habits. As far as I'm concerned, that's child abuse! Go ahead, carry an extra 20-30 lbs, I wont judge. However, when it gets to the point that you lose your mobility and you become a spectator at life, you have a problem and you need help. Don't lose it for yourself! Lose it for your kids, become a role model! Become the person you want your children to be.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 20, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Oh please Mandy, you're "eating disorder" is that you don't know how to turn a tray away! You have no one else to blame for being a cow other than yourself! Maybe it isn't that people are "stuck up" as they don't wanna look at ugly fat people!
Posted by: baddboyy on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:57 PM
well lets see...........there is no physical education in schools anymore, people hit the drive thru's instead of eatting at home. Never see a kid mowing the lawn anymore or washing the car. everything is automated, tv remote,garage door openers,riding mowers,gas trimmers, no manual labor today.
Posted by: james b on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Amen Christi if they would walk thru the store thier cheeks would not hang over the sides when they get old and need the chair
Posted by: Jermaine on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:24 PM
Mandy, yes you have an eating disorder. It's called "eating unhealthy foods, not exercising, overeating, watching soaps and doing nothing about it all" disorder.
Posted by: Me on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:03 PM
You know I have posted like 5 comments and they keep not posting them. I put something about Walmart and they wouldn't post it. I read worse things than what I wrote in the first place. Hey people just don't eat to that point your going to pass out. I eat until I'll almost full but at the same time still a little hungry that is why I have been the same size since High School Almost 30 now and still way under 100. You just have to teach your self more is not BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Christi on Aug 20, 2008 at 05:15 PM
nothing irks me more than seeing all these fat women riding around Wal-Mart on those battery powered carts. Some truly need them,others are just fat and lazy to the point of God forbid they have to walk,hell they might burn a calorie
Posted by: Mandy on Aug 20, 2008 at 05:00 PM
To Cindy, Its easy for you to say just eat healthier and go for a walk, you don't have a problem obviously, well yes you do, you are aparrently discusted with fat people and to be honest and am discusted with people like you. I am overweight have been for about 11yrs. I have dieted. I have walked and I don't eat out. I have an eating disorder and people like you don't understand so quit trying to act like you have all the answers for us overweight people. I really don't understand why the world is so worried about what everyone weighs. I agree that it would be GREAT if everyone in the world was healthy and if there were no stuck up people who think they are better than others but that just isn't going to happen!
Posted by: RoaneCo. on Aug 20, 2008 at 04:01 PM
no Betty Crocker hit the nail on the head!! We would see a great improvement in a lot of areas (health, education, crime etc...) if we lived in a country where one parent could be the bread winner and the other raise our children. But the greed of big business and our own government has made such a mess of this country that none of these negative statistics will ever be turned around. That is unless we have another revolution.
Posted by: Luther on Aug 20, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Ashley, I don't see what this has to do with the news headline. If you're hitting on me, then I'm flattered, but let's try to hold back our emotions and discuss the news at hand on this public forum. I won't lie though, I don't date women if they are classified as hefty. I will give 'em a warning (See my previous posts) but one chance is all you get. Sorry, that's how I roll (no pun intended).
Posted by: hugh on Aug 20, 2008 at 03:02 PM
To no Betty Crocker, you can thank the womens libs movement for that. Grandpa always said "son, when you get married you need to look for one thing. When you come home from work she is standing at the door with supper on the table and a pretty dress on and you can pick which ever one you want". You are no Betty Crocker. Are you sure you want to quit your job?
Posted by: To Troy on Aug 20, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Food doesn't make people fat. People eating the food is what makes people fat.
Posted by: Michelle on Aug 20, 2008 at 01:56 PM
I live in WV and the majority of the people here make me sick to look at. No one seems to care about their appearance. You can be overweight, but still look nice. I can't stand to look at someone who has not washed their hair, body or clothes. At least take pride in themselves. Most women here don't. No, I am not overweight! I am 5 ft. 3 and 135 pounds. WOW, and I live in West Virginia!
Posted by: Troy Sexton on Aug 20, 2008 at 01:48 PM
In a perfect world, the junk food manufacturers would be prosecuted for the obesity epidemic. However, in this world, the "food police" declare it's the "people" who need to be controlled.
Posted by: Ashley on Aug 20, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Luther and Jerome>> You both sound like real winners.
Posted by: APRIL on Aug 20, 2008 at 10:12 AM
WOW I FIGURED WV WOULD BE FIRST! WE ARE FULL OF PEOPLE ON WELFARE THAT DONT DO A THING BESIDES GET OFF THE COUCH ON THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH TO GET THERE CHECKS!
Posted by: Charleston on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Lets go to Mcdonalds to Celebrate.
Posted by: Debbie on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:49 AM
no Betty Crocker, that's not true either. Nowadays you can get steamer bags and do veggies in the microwave quicker than going through a drive through. Grill some chicken or small burgers or whatever make a salad and voila! I can generally do a good dinner in 30 minutes, yeah a little forethought and planning is needed, but I work fulltime as well. I'm defintely no superwoman, if I can do it anyone can. Also folks in addition to steamed in the microwave vegetables being more nutritious they taste better, FYI, for corn on the cob, put in the microwave husk and all,(don't remove any of the husk) for 5 to 10 minutes depending on how powerful yours is and how many pieces. Husk and silk will come right off and it's delicious.
Posted by: wtg on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:41 AM
phil,your wife thinks you need to slow down on the beer,that beer gut is what put us second,and jerome ,your wife says see ya,and luther your wife says you can take that paper bag off your head once she is gone..hehe
Posted by: Debbie on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Dennis, BMI does not take muscle mass into consideration, most athletes' BMI put them in the obese range, rather look at yourself, if you have a lot of fat you ARE fat. Even if you are overweight and can't lose weight in certain areas exercise! You will still be healthier. Also WV residents as a whole eat out waaaayyy too much. Get off the fast food track, try sandwiches and fruit for lunch, cook healthy dinners at home, and when you do eat out, don't eat the huge portions, get a doggy bag and make another meal for tomorrow out of them.
Posted by: lee on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Ugly but cute
Posted by: hehe on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:27 AM
to luther and jerome.......i think you two should get together,you would make a cute couple....lol
Posted by: Jerry on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:26 AM
To all the chauvinist pigs posting on this site: Women can't help their weight. The pressure women receive from society and the media to stay trim and sexy ultimately, causes them to fail.
Posted by: cindy on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:15 AM
this doesnt surprise me, all i see any more is fat people, they get in ur way at wal-mart at the 1st of the month and complain that they cant lose it for one reason or another,im 40, had 4 kids and a hysterectomy and im not over weight, right on the money. i dont over do it. i cook instead of eating out, cant afford to. all u have to do is get out and walk some where, around the block or something, just get up and do it. stop being fat and lazy and making excuses, walk around wal-mart instead of riding in those scooters.
Posted by: Never Obese on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:37 AM
To Wow, I am almost 40 now! My mother is in her 60's and is not fat, because she eats well and walks. Don't associate your failures to control weight with me. Everyone said the same thing when I got married. My mother-in-law is also trim, because she walks and watches what she eats. We don't have to eat like pigs.
Posted by: Phil on Aug 20, 2008 at 01:38 AM
I told my wife to get busy and get on the treadmill......and fetch me a beer on the way over!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 19, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Let the air out of her Luther that might help
Posted by: Jerome on Aug 19, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Again Luther you have some great points. One of my girls pulled the same stuff with me. She claims after having my baby she could not lose weight. I told her either lose 50 pounds are you will never see me again. It has been three years and I never looked back. Don't make excuses just lose the weight!
Posted by: Jerome on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:31 PM
I have to agree with ya Luther. Some of my girls could defiantly drop a few. You might say a babies got back.
Posted by: Dennis on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:27 PM
People should check their BMI (Body mass index) If your over a certain number for your gender then you are either overweight or obese. Failure to limit ones consumption of fast food will certainly damage ones health and weight. No one cooks or exercises anymore. Just go by the restaurants in Huntington and its clear that NO ONE COOKS. How can you control your diet if you don't know whats in you food. Most mothers today don't cook for there children therefore they are obsese due to fast food consumption. I personally can distinguish between women from this area due to there size. Overconsumption inactivity=fat ugly people.
Posted by: Luther on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:18 PM
Folks, you do make valid points. I comment based on experiences. My first 2 wives were very overweight. Heck, my girfliend now could really stand to lose bout 40. I told her if she doesn't drop 40, I'll drop 195 (her).
Posted by: Blame it on the cops on Aug 19, 2008 at 08:40 PM
See there was a lot of people trying to help the state beat this fat problem but everytime they'd set up a lab the cops tore it down. how many fat meth addicts or crack heads do you see. there are options out there,so fire up ur stems and watch the pounds melt away
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 19, 2008 at 06:58 PM
Luther you are an idiot. If people would get off of the computer instead of reading articles like this it might also help. I see way more obese men than I do women, in Huntington at least.
Posted by: no Betty Crocker on Aug 19, 2008 at 06:47 PM
If the women could stay home and not have to work (like it used to be), West Virginia might be healthier and skinnier. When mothers had the time to plan family meals in the evenings instead of rushing home after working 8-10 hours a day, kids were healthier and the adults were too. WV is not offering high paying jobs to the men, women have to pick up the slack. Blame the Republicans for giving all the tax breaks to the big companies. The owners use the money to get more rich and not to raise wages.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 19, 2008 at 06:19 PM
If 40lbs were left 'behind' you would save a little at the pump as well. Wow! WVA is Fat not Phat!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 19, 2008 at 05:29 PM
Luther- not just the women are fat in this state...I know just as many fat lazy men as I do women. It is just a general problem not one gender. So before you start going on women being fat, you need to think about this a little harder. I agree with Ashley there are things you can do everyday & small changes that can make a BIG difference. But it's a personal choice to get healthy, people that are overweight, it is their problem, we can't make them get healthy, they have to want it for themselves. And if they want to have to shop at special stores, waddle & roll, & set bad examples for their children we can't stop them, they are only hurting themselves & their children. We however can keep ourselves in shape & encourage others to do the same, but until they want to change, that's just not up to us. Make fun all you like, but that's not going to help the problem. Oh, & Luther if I dropped 60lbs, I'd be considered anorexic & malnourished. You really need to think before speaking.
Posted by: bill on Aug 19, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Aunt Maybell got the map out and could not decide if WV was so fat that it should take 2nd place or not. I told her that Texas was pretty fat but she reminded me tnat they were flat and WV was thick because of all the hills and mountains. This sounds good to me and I proudly accept this award on behalf of our chubby little state.
Posted by: Luther on Aug 19, 2008 at 04:17 PM
I think the women in this state should drop about 60 pounds...that alone would move us WAY down the line. Heck that make even put us down around 30th or so. If women would work and stop watching soaps, WV's Fat Problem wouldn't exist.
Posted by: Luther on Aug 19, 2008 at 04:16 PM
To Heather: I know you talk a good game, but the numbers don't lie...WV is the 2nd Fattest State. I think you should look at yourself before offering advice to others.
Posted by: gene on Aug 19, 2008 at 03:57 PM
thank goodness for mississippi. they make us look good
Posted by: Ashley on Aug 19, 2008 at 03:25 PM
Ok WV>> I'm going to give you some really great, easy tips for getting healthy. If you follow them, you WILL lose weight! 1) JUST SAY NO to soda. There is NO reason anyone should be drinking soda every day. Besides, water is cheaper and MUCH better at quenching your thirst. 2) Buy the WHOLE-WHEAT bread and the WHOLE Wheat pasta instead. There is a 10-30 cent difference in price and your digestive system will thank you! 3) Partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oil (soybean, vegetable, or otherwise) should be avoided. If it is listed in the first five ingredients, it should be restricted to a one-serving, once a month type deal. 4) Apply rule number 3 to anything with fructose, sucrose, or other sweetners (including artifical) in the first five ingredients. 5) Walk!!! Walking is cheaper than gas and cable television!
Posted by: Wow on Aug 19, 2008 at 03:10 PM
To Never Obese, Wait until you reach the age of 40, and I bet if you walk twice as much as you are now, you will still put on weight.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 19, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Ban food! All this food causing people to become obese!
Posted by: Heather on Aug 19, 2008 at 02:37 PM
There are healthy fast food choices out there people.. like.. get 1 hamburger instead of a double quarter pounder.. that shaves off like 700 cal and 10g fat (estimating)
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 19, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Eat Up! WVA needs to finish first in something. I would like to see evryone gain at least 25 lbs before next year. I know we can do this with more visits to Taco Bell and a nice cool 40 to wash it down with (don't go with light beer).
Posted by: WINK WINK OINK OINK on Aug 19, 2008 at 02:28 PM
WHO CARES ABOUT BEING FAT EAT LOVE IT DO IT! STOP THE WHINNING IF YOU ARE PHAT PRETTY HOT AND TEMPTING THEN STRUT YOUR STUFF AND THE HECK WITH BEING SKINNY JUST LOVE YOUR SELF AND IT WILL LOVE YOU BACK!!!!
Posted by: Tim on Aug 19, 2008 at 02:22 PM
ARANJE - I am a member of your fan club. I do find that WV, esp Kanawaha county will be growing our number and we should reach #1 next year. That since the smoking ban - people are now subsituting their smoking habits with the two double cheeseburgers, super size fries and diet cokes... Kanawaha county is growing by leaps and bounds, look out ole Miss...
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 19, 2008 at 02:20 PM
LOL you all have choices so you cant blame the prices. Cut back on cigs and beer you have a lot more money. Dont blame other people for your mistakes. Its funny seeing people blame everyone but themselves.
Posted by: Anon on Aug 19, 2008 at 02:15 PM
I think it is funny how it is the states where most people don't work. Maybe if everyone got jobs they would be occupied with work instead of eating all day and watching tv.
Posted by: Alice on Aug 19, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Oh no, I am disappointed that we didn't make first place. We should have taken the gold.
Posted by: aranje on Aug 19, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Hey, let's all blame the fast food joints. It's not our fault we are pigs that don't know how to walk (waddle) away from the buffet. I'm sure there is already a law firm working on how FAT people can sue the government for benefits, so that they can stay at home, not work and eat more food. By the way ordering a diet coke with your two cheeseburgers and jumbo order of fries is not a balanced diet.
Posted by: yeah i'm fat on Aug 19, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Where do they get these records anyway? NOt all fat people go to doctors, not all skinny ones do so how do they tally this? Do they survey and ask if you consier yourself fat?
Posted by: Can't afford to eat healthy on Aug 19, 2008 at 12:49 PM
With the increase in food prices, it is a lot cheaper to eat the processed foods than the healthier foods. When you have to think to yourself "Should I need to buy fresh fruits and veggies for the family or pay the bills" then the bills win. But in the end, the family is suffering because they have the chance of becoming overweight simply because we can't afford to buy the healthiest option for us.
Posted by: someone on Aug 19, 2008 at 12:43 PM
You can go to walmart to see that is true
Posted by: Never Obese on Aug 19, 2008 at 12:37 PM
What is wrong with people? How hard is it to eat healthy and excercise by walking each day? I was about 20 pounds overweight (not obese) and I decided to knip it in the bud at age 38. I am now at my correct weight. If people would take care of it before it got out of hand, America wouldn't have an obese problem!
Posted by: Voter on Aug 19, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Hey we may be fat, but at least we aren't smoking in those Kanawha County bars.
Posted by: J on Aug 19, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Does this surprise any body that lives in this state?
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