Still the fattest state: Miss. obesity rate hits a welcome plateau
For the seventh straight year, Mississippi is the fattest state in the U.S., but the good news is the state’s obesity rate fell for the first time in recent decades.
While the decline from 35.4 to 34.5 isn’t statistically significant, State Health Officer Dr. Mary Currier said it does mean there has been no increase. “We all hope it is a trend,” she said.
Sandra Shelson, executive director of Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi, said even if the obesity rate has hit a plateau, it’s great news. “If we can just stabilize and not increase, then hopefully some of these obesity programs that have been started can gain traction and the rate will go down significantly,” she said.
Clarion Ledger
7/8/11
Magnolia Tribune
