Report: Michigan Is Fifth Most Obese State

LANSING (WWJ) - Michigan comes in at number five on a new list of states with the highest obesity rates.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that 31 percent of Michigan residents are now considered obese.

Twelve states currently have an adult obesity rate above 30 percent, according to a new analysis released Monday by the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Aside from Michigan, Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia had very high rates.  Colorado had the lowest rate, at just under 21 percent. Mississippi was highest at nearly 35 percent.

"Obesity has contributed to a stunning rise in chronic disease rates and health care costs. It is one of the biggest health crises the country has ever faced," said Dr. Jeffrey Levi, TFAH executive director. "The good news is that we have a growing body of evidence and approaches that we know can help reduce obesity, improve nutrition and increase physical activity based on making healthier choices easier for Americans. The bad news is we're not investing anywhere near what we need to in order to bend the obesity curve and see the returns in terms of health and savings."

Talking to WWJ Newsradio 950, Providence Hospital family practitioner Robert Zaid said he's not surprised by the stats.

Zaid said diets that are highly restrictive, don't work, and plans that make you give up certain foods tend to make you want those foods even more.

"I like to focus on basically having the right lifestyle, because if you have the right lifestyle, you're living a healthy life,  then the weight will take care of itself," Zaid said.

Ziad favors reducing processed foods in your diet and says moderation is the way to go.

He said cutting back on sugar is also key if you want to lose pounds and you might be surprised by the results.

" ... I really reduced my sugar content for about 21 days -- and I love vegetables and fruit. I never knew what they tasted like before I did that," Ziad said.

Full report data can be found at this link.