Yes, obesity is very prevalent. Take a look at these trends, as published by the Centers for Disease Control.

Notice that in 1990s, very few states were blue. If they were blue, it was a very light blue, indicating that only 10-14% of the population had a Body Mass Index of over 30. A BMI over 30 means you are obese.

As time went on, many more states became blue, and even darker blue. In fact, some are now black, indicating that over 30% of their population is obese. The only state that has been spared is Colorado, which is still very light blue.

Take a look at the 2008 numbers on a more detailed map:

Colorado is spared with an obesity rate of only 15-19%, while some states, like Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, and South Carolina have an obesity rate over 30%.

This is bad news for all of us. The cost of healthcare across the nation will rise and we will become more and more unhealthy.

We can do something about it now.