NH has 11th lowest obesity rate in U.S.

According to a new report, New Hampshire has the 11^th lowest obesity rate in the United States. 

The report was prepared by the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

West Virginia has the highest obesity rate, while Colorado has the lowest.  Massachusetts has the 3^rd lowest obesity rate in the U.S., Connecticut has the 10^th lowest, Rhode Island tied New Hampshire in 11^th place, Vermont came in 13^th, and Maine scored 26^th.

New Hampshire’s relatively low obesity rate is due in part to a healthy diet; Granite Staters are more likely than other U.S. residents to eat fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, according to the report.  New Hampshire residents are also more physically active than residents in many other states.

However, New Hampshire’s obesity rate is still roughly double what it was twenty years ago.  According to the report, 26.6% of New Hampshire adults are obese.  A high obesity rate contributes to higher health care costs, since obese residents are more likely to have diabetes, hypertension, and other health issues.

Lawmakers have suggested many policies over the years to reduce obesity.  Some ideas include a tax on sugary drinks, limiting what foods can be marketed in schools, requiring recess, and limiting food stamp purchases to healthy options.

Do you have an opinion on the obesity rate in New Hampshire?  Let us known in the comments below.